Surgical Instrument Handle Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instrument handles require high operating forces to release the lock, making it difficult for operators to handle and dose the instrument effectively, which affects the tactility and increases the risk of unintentional lock deactivation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second restoring element to hold the first actuating element under prestress, allowing for a decoupled interaction between the actuating and latching elements, enabling different force directions and actuation paths, thereby improving tactility and reducing the risk of unintentional lock deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional lock mechanism is used to secure the two handle parts, then the lock can be released, but high operating forces are required making it difficult for operators to handle and dose the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into two independent subsystems: a first latching element (54) with latching teeth (56) for securing the handle parts, and a second latching element (68) with a single latching tooth (72) for engagement with the first latching element. This segmentation allows the first restoring element (88) and second restoring element (90) to independently control different aspects of the locking mechanism, enabling the actuating element to be moved with low force while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The second latching element (68) acts as an intermediary between the actuating element (74) and the first latching element (54). When the actuating element is moved, it directly moves the second latching element, which then disengages from the first latching element to release the lock. This intermediary mechanism allows the actuating element to be designed with favorable force characteristics without directly affecting the strength of the first latching element.
2Reliability
If high operating forces are required to release the lock, then the lock can be securely held, but the risk of unintentional lock deactivation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism employs dynamic restoring elements (first restoring element 88 and second restoring element 90) that provide continuous force to maintain the locked position. The first restoring element acts on the second latching element while the second restoring element acts on the actuating element, creating a dynamic system that responds to operator input while maintaining secure locking through elastic restoration forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The reliability function is segmented between two independent restoring elements: the first restoring element (88) ensures the second latching element returns to its engaged position, while the second restoring element (90) ensures the actuating element returns to its rest position. This segmentation of reliability functions allows each element to be optimized for its specific role, maintaining overall system reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the actuating element and latching element are directly coupled, then the mechanism is simple, but the force required to actuate the lock directly affects the latching force
Solution Approach 1:
The second latching element (68) serves as an intermediary that decouples the force transmission between the actuating element (74) and the first latching element (54). The actuating element moves the second latching element, which then engages or disengages from the first latching element. This intermediary arrangement allows the actuating element to have favorable force characteristics while the first latching element maintains its latching function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission path is segmented into two independent chains: one involving the actuating element and second restoring element, and another involving the first latching element and first restoring element. This segmentation eliminates direct force coupling between the actuating element and the latching elements, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
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 the ergonomic operation of the instrument handle by allowing for distinct force applications to release or engage the lock, improving tactility and reducing the risk of accidental lock release, resulting in a more intuitive and secure handling experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first restoring element being provided for holding the second latching element under prestress in the direction towards the first latching element
Implementation Method 2
a second restoring element is provided for holding the first actuating element in a rest position under prestress
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A surgical instrument grip-handle (12) has mutually movable first (36) and second (40) parts and with a releasable blocking element (52) with a first locking element (54) fixed on the grip-handle (36) and a second locking element movable on the second grip-handle (40). A second resetting member holds the first actuating element (74) in an idling position, under pre-tension, and the actuating element (74) and the second locking element function together so that the actuating element (74) moves against the action of the second resetting member into the released position. An independent claim is given for a surgical instrument.