Self-Locking Coupling Geometry for One-Handed Medical Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling devices for medical holding systems lack a self-locking mechanism that ensures secure connection under load, allows for easy one-handed operation, and prevents unintentional release, while also enabling rotational freedom and safe transmission of electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a conical sleeve and spring-loaded clamping bodies that snap into a coupling groove, featuring angles α and β to create a wedge effect for self-locking, combined with a switching mechanism and redundant monitoring to ensure stable locking positions, and electrical connections for secure power and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional safety parts (cotter pins, safety wires) are used to secure the coupling connection, then the reliability of the coupling under load is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the operator must attach and remove additional elements, often requiring both hands or tools
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is merged into the coupling mechanism itself through the conical surface and clamping body design. The clamping body with its conical outer surface engages with the conical inner surface of the coupling socket, creating an integrated self-locking mechanism that provides both coupling and safety functions in one structure, eliminating the need for separate safety parts
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device performs its own safety function through the self-locking mechanism. The conical surfaces and spring-loaded clamping body automatically engage and lock when the bolt is inserted, providing inherent safety without requiring external safety elements or complex operational procedures
2Ease of operation
If conventional coupling devices allow rotation during insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as rotational freedom may lead to incorrect positioning or semi-locked states under load
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transitions from a static to a dynamic locking mechanism. During insertion, the clamping body can rotate freely with the bolt, allowing easy operation. Once inserted, the conical surfaces engage and the spring-loaded clamping body automatically locks into position, preventing rotation under load while maintaining operational simplicity
3Ease of manufacture
If the coupling device uses simple mechanical connection without self-locking mechanism, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the coupling may release under tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The conical surfaces provide a curved geometric solution that creates self-locking through angular geometry. The conical outer surface of the clamping body and conical inner surface of the coupling socket form wedge-shaped engagement surfaces that convert tensile forces into radial clamping forces, preventing pull-out without complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The conical angle parameters are specifically designed to create the self-locking effect. By optimizing the cone angles, the device transforms the direction and magnitude of forces acting on the coupling, converting axial tensile forces into radial clamping forces that secure the connection
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 coupling device provides a secure, self-locking connection that resists high tensile forces, allows one-handed operation, and ensures safe power and signal transmission, minimizing the risk of unintentional release and maintaining precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded, clamping body-guiding cage sleeve (329) is inserted axially movably into the conical sleeve (321)... the clamping bodies (324) can be arranged in an uncoupled position (a) by means of the spring force acting on the cage sleeve (329)
Implementation Method 2
the coupling groove flank (304) of the bolt element (301), which is inclined at the front in the direction of insertion, forms an angle α with the longitudinal axis of the bolt element (301)... the conical inner surface (322) of the conical sleeve (321) forms an angle β with the central sleeve axis... to press clamping bodies partially or completely engaged in the coupling groove into the locking position (c) by applying a tensile force (Fz)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device 300 and a method for the self-locking mechanical connection of two parts of a holding system for medical instruments, comprising a bolt element 301 that can be inserted into a bushing 302; wherein the bushing 302 has a base body and a conical sleeve rigidly connected thereto, which tapers conically at its free end, wherein a spring-loaded, clamping-element-guiding cage sleeve is axially movably inserted into the conical sleeve and can be moved between an uncoupled position (a), a release position (c), and a locking position (c). In the locking position (c), the clamping elements 324 can be engaged in a coupling groove 303 of the bolt element 301 by means of spring force.The forward inclined coupling groove flank 304 of the bolt element 301, in the insertion direction, forms an angle α with the longitudinal axis of the bolt element 301, and the inner conical surface 322 of the conical sleeve 321 forms an angle β with the central sleeve axis. The coupling device 300 is characterized in that, for self-locking connection, the angle α is larger than the angle β, in order to press clamping elements partially or completely engaged in the coupling groove into the locking position (c) when the bolt element is subjected to a tensile force (Fz) opposite to the insertion direction.