Stabilization Pin Assembly With Engagement Feedback and Keyed Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stabilization assemblies lack feedback mechanisms for users to confirm proper engagement of stabilization features, such as pins or pads, with holding portions, making it difficult to ensure secure attachment during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a retainer mechanism with spring-biased feedback, providing audible, tactile, or visual confirmation of pin engagement within a receptacle, and a poka-yoke design to ensure precise fit and prevent misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stabilization assemblies are used without feedback mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of proper engagement confirmation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through a retainer that provides tactile and audible confirmation when a stabilization feature is properly engaged with the holding portion. The retainer moves between engaged and disengaged positions, creating a perceptible signal to the user that ensures reliable engagement confirmation without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a retainer mechanism with spring-biased feedback is incorporated, then the reliability of engagement confirmation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is designed to automatically indicate engagement status through its own movement and spring-biased operation. The system serves itself by using the engagement action to trigger the feedback signal, eliminating the need for separate complex sensing or signaling systems while maintaining high reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a poka-yoke design is used to ensure precise fit, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization feature and holding portion are designed with asymmetric geometries that guide proper alignment during insertion. The asymmetric shapes naturally orient the components correctly, making precise alignment intuitive and easy to achieve during operation while ensuring high manufacturing precision through the inherent mechanical guidance.
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
Ensures secure and reliable attachment of stabilization features by providing clear feedback and preventing improper installation, enhancing the stability and safety of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer (220) selectively positioned within the receptacle (204) and spring-biased toward an engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization assembly includes a receptacle, a pin, and a retainer. The pin is positioned within the receptacle and the retainer selectively retains the pin in position within the receptacle. Additionally, the receptacle includes a sloped surface surrounding an opening within the receptacle where the pin is received, and the pin includes a corresponding sloped surface for contact with the sloped surface surrounding the opening within the receptacle. A pin can be keyed to a specific receptacle and retainer such that pins of differing geometries will only properly fit with their intended receptacle and retainer. This provides a poka-yoke configuration so users cannot incorrectly associate pins of different styles with the wrong receptacles. For instance, if pins are specifically configured to be received by a specific receptacle, the poka-yoke configuration mentioned here ensures that the pins are installed in the proper stabilization assembly.