Spring-Loaded U-Shaped RF Connector for Medical Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical high-frequency (HF) instruments face reliability issues due to faulty latching mechanisms that can detach from the handle, leading to unreliable contact with the HF electrode over time.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded latching mechanism with a U-shaped HF connector that is pressed into the handle's housing using spring elements, ensuring secure and reliable contact by forming a receptacle for the HF electrode, which can only be coupled when actively pressed in, utilizing a latching surface and sealing features to maintain contact and prevent moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used to fix the HF connector to the handle, then the connector can be securely attached, but the mechanism becomes susceptible to faults over time and can detach from the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded latching mechanism where the spring element provides continuous dynamic force to maintain engagement between the HF connector and handle. The spring compensates for wear and dimensional variations over time, ensuring the latching surfaces remain in contact throughout the service life of the instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: the spring element mounted on the HF connector, the latching surface on the HF connector, and the corresponding latching surface in the handle housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies replacement if one element wears.
2Ease of operation
If the HF connector is designed with a simple structure for easy operation, then it can be easily pressed into the handle with one hand, but it may compromise the reliability of the electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The HF connector features a U-shaped cross-section with parallel legs that nest into corresponding receptacles in the handle housing. The web of the U-shaped connector fits between the parallel legs, creating a nested structure that guides insertion and ensures proper alignment of the electrical contacts while maintaining a simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded to exert force on the latching surface before the connector is fully inserted. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the connector engages with the handle, reliable electrical contact is established through the receptacles and latching surfaces, maintaining connection reliability throughout the insertion process.
3Reliability
If the HF connector is pressed firmly into the handle to ensure reliable contact, then electrical connection is secure, but the operation requires two hands and is not easily performed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the HF connector to the handle during a single insertion motion. The spring element self-adjusts to maintain optimal contact force between the latching surfaces, eliminating the need for the operator to apply excessive manual force or use two hands to 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 solution provides a simple, secure, and reliable electrical connection between the HF electrode and plug, ensuring consistent performance and easy operation, even with one hand, while preventing moisture entry and ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the spring-loaded latching mechanism has at least one spring element mounted on the HF connector, the HF connector being able to be pressed into a housing of the handle against the spring force of this at least one spring element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical RF instrument (1) with a shaft (3) having a hollow shaft tube (2) and a handle (5) arranged at the proximal end (4) of the shaft tube (2), wherein an RF electrode (6) is mounted in the shaft tube (2) which can be coupled to an RF plug (14) that can be fixed to the handle (5) for power supply, wherein the RF electrode (6) can be fixed to the RF plug (14) via a spring-loaded locking mechanism (24).To design a medical RF instrument (1) such that the RF connector (14) ensures reliable contact with the RF electrode (6) with a simple design, the invention proposes that the spring-loaded locking mechanism (24) has at least one spring element (25) mounted on the RF connector (14), wherein the RF connector (14) can be pressed into a housing (19) of the handle (5) against the spring force of this at least one spring element (25), and wherein the RF connector (14) has a U-shaped cross-section, wherein the at least one spring element (25) is arranged on an underside facing the handle (5) of at least one of the parallel legs (17) of the U-shaped RF connector (14), and a receptacle (22) for the RF electrode (6) is formed.