Rotatable Break Block for Medical Instrument Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical instruments with articulated shafts face challenges in providing functional reliability and ergonomic handling, particularly in locking and releasing mechanisms, which can lead to accidental operation during minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable shut-off element with a plane of rotation transverse to the handle part's longitudinal axis is integrated, allowing for safe and ergonomic operation by requiring a distinct movement to engage or disengage the locking function, and a mechanism with a rocker arm and button for temporary or permanent release of the latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are arranged close to the handle for controlling articulated shaft functions, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch-off element is designed with an asymmetric rotational movement requirement that differs from the linear or angular movements of other actuators. This asymmetry ensures that the switch-off element cannot be accidentally activated during normal operation of other controls, while still being easily operable when intentionally engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring positive action to activate the lock and separate action to deactivate it, the system is designed so that a distinct rotational movement of the switch-off element is required to maintain the locked state. When the switch-off element is rotated to its first position, it prevents accidental unlocking while allowing intentional unlocking through the same rotational mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is designed to be bent in its distal end area for articulation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple articulated segments that can bend at specific joints, allowing the shaft to navigate complex anatomical paths while maintaining control. Each segment is connected through joints that permit controlled bending in specific directions, providing adaptability without requiring the entire shaft to be flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated shaft employs dynamic segments that can change their configuration during use, allowing the shaft to transition between straight and bent states. This dynamic capability enables the shaft to adapt to different surgical approaches and patient anatomies while maintaining structural integrity and control.
3Ease of operation
If the rotatable shut-off element is arranged on the movable handle part, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch-off element requires a specific rotational movement to change state, which is asymmetric and distinct from the linear or angular movements used to operate the tool. This asymmetric requirement ensures that normal tool operation cannot accidentally activate or deactivate the locking function, while the switch-off element remains easily operable when intentionally engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch-off element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's intent and the locking function. By requiring a distinct rotational movement, it serves as a mediator that prevents direct or accidental activation of the locking mechanism during normal tool operation, while still allowing easy intentional control.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 8~9
AI summary
The medical instrument has a rest barrier, by which the locking function is permanently replaceable, where the rest barrier has a swiveling storage organ (62) arranged at the mobile gripping unit (20). The storage organ does not affect the locking function of the slot (40) in a turning position.