Sliding Claw Coupling for Microsurgical Instrument Engine Block
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microsurgical instruments face challenges in simplifying the coupling of the engine block and handle, requiring manual deflection and alignment of toothed wheels, which is cumbersome and increases the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A microsurgical instrument design featuring a handle with a longitudinally slidable claw coupling element and an engine block with tapering claw extensions, allowing for easy alignment and mechanical coupling without manual deflection, facilitated by a pressure spring and friction washers for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engine block is coupled with the handle using traditional toothed wheel alignment, then the mechanical coupling is achieved, but the coupling process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The claw coupling element on the input shaft automatically aligns and engages with the corresponding claw coupling element on the engine block through longitudinal sliding motion, eliminating the need for manual deflection and alignment of toothed wheels. The system serves itself by using the sliding mechanism to achieve proper engagement position.
Solution Approach 2:
The claw coupling elements are pre-configured with tapering surfaces that guide the engagement process. As the engine block is inserted, the tapering surfaces automatically align the claw elements before final engagement, preparing the coupling in advance and eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments.
2Reliability
If manual deflection is used to align toothed wheels for coupling, then the engine block can be coupled with the handle, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal sliding mechanism of the claw coupling element automatically achieves proper alignment and engagement without requiring manual manipulation of the work piece or deflection of components. This self-aligning process eliminates the need for hands-on alignment adjustments that could introduce contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical alignment process involving manual deflection and toothed wheel engagement is replaced by a guided sliding mechanism with tapering surfaces that automatically align and engage the claw coupling elements, reducing the need for manual intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the claw coupling element is fixed on the input shaft, then the mechanical coupling is stable, but the coupling process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The claw coupling element transitions from a fixed position to a longitudinally sliding position during the coupling process. This dynamic capability allows the element to move along the input shaft to achieve proper engagement with the engine block, then stabilize in the engaged position, combining flexibility during coupling with stability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A microsurgical instrument, with a handle and a removably insertable engine block. The handle can be coupled with a work piece and includes a base body and, mounted in the base body, an input shaft for motorized actuation of at least one degree of freedom of the work piece. In addition, the handle has an engine interface, into which the engine block can be installed, and on which at least an electric contact and a mechanical coupling are situated, the mechanical coupling includes a claw coupling element that is non-rotatably connected with the input shaft and can be coupled with a corresponding claw coupling element of the engine block. In addition, the handle has an actuation element, with which a current flow through the electric contact of the engine interface can be activated and deactivated. The claw coupling element of the handle is mounted on the input shaft so that it can slide longitudinally.