Portable Surgical Instrument Generator Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable surgical instruments face challenges in quickly and easily coupling and decoupling generators, which can hinder efficient energy transfer and instrument operation in surgical environments, potentially leading to tripping hazards and entanglements.
Innovation Solution
A portable surgical instrument with a locking mechanism featuring pivotally supported locking fingers and apertures at the generator's distal end, allowing for quick and secure engagement and disengagement without additional tools, using a combination of apertures, guide fingers, and textured engagement members for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking knob with wrench tightening is used to secure the generator, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring additional tools and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual wrench tightening mechanism with a spring-loaded locking finger system that automatically engages with the generator aperture. The spring force provides sufficient connection strength without requiring external tools, while the automatic engagement mechanism dramatically improves ease of operation by reducing the coupling process to a simple snap-fit action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring force. When the generator is inserted, the spring-loaded locking finger automatically engages with the generator aperture, securing the connection without requiring user intervention beyond the initial insertion motion. This eliminates the need for separate tightening steps and tools.
2Reliability
If a multi-step tightening process is used, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking finger is pre-positioned and under spring tension before engagement. This preliminary preparation allows the locking mechanism to immediately secure the generator upon insertion, eliminating the need for sequential tightening steps and significantly reducing coupling time while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the intermediate tightening steps entirely by using a spring-loaded snap-fit mechanism. The locking finger rapidly transitions from unengaged to locked position in a single motion, rushing through what would traditionally be a multi-step process and thereby minimizing time loss while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a dynamic spring-loaded system rather than a static simple latch. The spring provides continuous force to maintain strong engagement during operation, while the same spring allows for easy release when activation force is applied. This dynamic design simultaneously achieves strong connection and easy decoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the force parameter dynamically - during engagement, the spring compresses to provide high locking force for strong connection; during decoupling, the spring expands to allow easy release when activated. This parameter change enables the same simple mechanism to provide both strong connection and easy operation under different conditions.
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
Enables rapid and secure attachment and detachment of generators to the surgical instrument, reducing operational complexity and minimizing hazards, while ensuring reliable energy transfer for electrosurgical and ultrasonic functions.
Implementation Method 1
locking mechanism featuring pivotally supported locking fingers
Implementation Method 2
The generator defining one or more apertures at a distal end thereof and a pivot member disposed at a proximal end thereof... configured to convert electrical energy into at least one of RF and ultrasonic energy
Implementation Method 3
configured to convert electrical energy into at least one of RF and ultrasonic energy to energize the activatable jaw member
Data Source
AI summary
A portable surgical instrument (PSI) includes a shaft extending therefrom. An end effector operably supported at the distal end of the shaft includes a pair of jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is activatable to treat tissue. A selectively removable generator pivotally couples to the housing to energize the activatable jaw member. The generator defining one or more apertures at a distal end thereof and a pivot member disposed at a proximal end thereof. A locking mechanism configured to operably couple to the elongated shaft of the housing includes one or more locking fingers configured to releasably couple to the one or more apertures disposed at the distal end of the generator such that generator is selectively and removably engageable with the housing of the portable surgical instrument.