Rotating Ring Actuator for Surgical Driver Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instrument driving devices have complex and time-consuming handling mechanisms, particularly in medical settings, due to the need for precise alignment of actuating elements, which hinders timely intervention and increases mechanical wear.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument driving device with a rotatable actuating element extending around the housing circumference, incorporating a solenoid switch and relay for simplified operation, reduced mechanical engagement, and enhanced durability, along with a magnetic switch for liquid, steam, and gas sterilization compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a pushbutton switch or slide switch is used as the actuating element, then the switching device can be constructed simply, but the handling becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching device structureVSAvoidhandling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is designed as a ring-shaped component that extends around the circumference of the housing, allowing actuation in the rotational dimension rather than requiring radial or longitudinal movement. This dimensional change enables the user to actuate the switch from any rotational position, eliminating the alignment requirement while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring-shaped actuating element serves multiple functions: it acts as the switching actuator, provides rotational positioning feedback, and allows operation from any hand position. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enhancing ease of operation without adding structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a pushbutton switch or slide switch is used as the actuating element, then the switching device structure is simple, but mechanical wear increases due to repeated mechanical engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching device structureVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pushbutton or slide switch mechanism with a magnetic field-based actuating system. The ring-shaped actuating element generates or interacts with a magnetic field to actuate the switching device, eliminating direct mechanical contact and friction between moving parts. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while dramatically reducing mechanical wear and extending service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the actuating element extends completely around the circumference of the housing, then handling is simplified and quick, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling operationVSAvoidswitching device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring-shaped actuating element that extends around the circumference serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the switching actuator, provides rotational positioning feedback, and allows operation from any hand position. This multi-functionality justifies the extended structure by delivering enhanced ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By extending the actuating element in the circumferential dimension rather than using a simple radial pushbutton, the patent enables actuation from any rotational position. This dimensional extension provides intuitive ease of operation while the ring shape itself serves as the complete actuating mechanism, avoiding the need for additional complex components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a magnetic switch is used instead of mechanical switches, then the device becomes insensitive to liquid, steam and gas sterilization, but the switching mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization resistanceVSAvoidswitching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with a magnetic field-based switching mechanism. The ring-shaped actuating element interacts with the magnetic switch through magnetic field interaction rather than direct mechanical contact. This substitution provides sterilization resistance by eliminating mechanical wear and contamination risks while the magnetic field interaction keeps the mechanism relatively simple and maintenance-free

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves simplified and quick handling, reduced mechanical wear, and increased service life, ensuring easy and efficient operation in medical environments while maintaining sterilization integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The switching device has an actuating element which extends completely around the circumference of the housing and is designed such that it can be rotated relative to the housing and which can be actuated by the actuating element magnetic switch for switching on and off the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic switch: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

A simple, compact and achieve stable construction of the entire device. The design of the device according to the invention with an actuating element of the switching device that extends completely around the circumference of the housing and is designed to be rotatable relative to the housing also results in extremely simple and quick handling of the device as a whole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 3

a relay assigned to the motor and provided as a motor brake as well as for building and maintaining a sufficient operating voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRelay: Relay

Data Source

PatentEP2190355B1Device for driving instruments and tools and the use thereof
Publication Date: 2011.03.02 WISAP GES FUR WISSN APPBAU
  • EP2190355B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2190355B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP2190355B1 patent drawingFigure 8A~8E

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for driving instruments and tools comprising a housing (12) for mounting a motor (18), a power supply device (20) associated with the motor (18), and a conical drive element (22) partially protruding out of the housing (12) and associated with the motor (18) and interacting with the instruments or tools, and a switching device (16) disposed on the outside (14) of the housing (12) for switching on and off the motor (18), the switching device (16) comprising an actuating element (26) extending at least partially around the circumference of the housing (12) and being designed to be rotatable relative to the housing (12), and the use thereof.