High Frequency Surgical Device Socket Contact Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior high frequency surgical devices pose a safety risk due to the potential for users to come into contact with partially inserted plug contacts that are already connected to the energy source, leading to unintended electrical contact.
Innovation Solution
The surgical device features an electrically insulated catch and a socket contact that establishes electrical connection only upon full insertion of the plug contact, ensuring that energy is not transmitted until the plug is safely secured, with a spring elastic socket contact and catch configuration to secure the plug in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the catch establishes electrical contact with the plug contact during insertion, then the electrical connection is established early, but the user safety deteriorates due to risk of contact with partially inserted plug
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection function is segmented from the mechanical fixation function. The socket contact (electrical) and catch (mechanical) are separated into distinct components, allowing the catch to engage first for fixation while the socket contact establishes electrical connection only after full insertion, thus preventing contact with partially inserted plugs
Solution Approach 2:
The catch engages in preliminary action to secure the plug contact in the fixed position before the socket contact establishes electrical connection. This ensures the plug is safely secured before energy transmission begins
2Reliability
If the socket contact is positioned to contact the plug contact early during insertion, then the electrical connection is established, but the user safety worsens due to potential contact with exposed plug
Solution Approach 1:
The socket contact is positioned in a different spatial dimension (deeper within the socket) compared to the catch. This dimensional arrangement ensures the catch engages first at the entrance level, while the socket contact makes electrical connection only after the plug is fully inserted deeper into the socket
3Strength
If the catch is made of spring elastic material with high spring constant, then the fixation strength is improved, but the ease of insertion deteriorates due to higher engagement force
Solution Approach 1:
The catch is designed as a spring elastic component that dynamically adjusts during insertion. During insertion, the spring is compressed and yields to the insertion force, allowing easy insertion. Once engaged, the spring force provides strong fixation to secure the plug contact
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
This design enhances user safety by preventing energy transmission until the plug is fully inserted, reducing the risk of accidental contact and ensuring reliable electrical connection and fixation.
Implementation Method 1
the socket contact can be made of a spring elastic material and can be configured so that it can be elastically displaced by the plug contact in inserted condition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a high frequency surgical device for generating high frequency energy for separating and/or coagulating of biological tissue, comprising at least one energy source and at least one output socket, into which a longitudinally extending electrically conductive plug contact of an electrosurgical instrument can be inserted, and which output socket comprises a catch for engaging an opposite catch configured in the plug contact, wherein a socket contact is electrically insulated from the catch, which socket contact is electrically connected to the energy source.