Surgical Instrument Locking Mechanism With Spring-Defined End Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in reliably and safely locking and releasing gripping limbs, often resulting in undefined intermediate positions that compromise the locking mechanism's functionality.
Innovation Solution
The surgical instrument incorporates a mechanical control arrangement with a spring device and pivot bearing to ensure the locking section is always in a defined end position, utilizing a positive control device for quasi-automatic transfer to the end position, and includes a delay unit to prevent unintentional rotation due to transverse forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to lock gripping limbs, then the gripping limbs can be held in position, but undefined intermediate positions may occur leading to unreliable locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section is designed to be rotatably displaceable between defined end positions rather than being fixed in translation, allowing dynamic positioning while maintaining reliability through defined stop positions that eliminate intermediate states
Solution Approach 2:
The state of the locking section is changed from translational displacement to rotational displacement, with defined angular end positions that correspond to locked and unlocked states, eliminating undefined intermediate positions
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required to position the locking section, then control is precise, but operating effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device automatically transfers the locking section from an intermediate position to a defined end position without requiring manual intervention, reducing operating effort while maintaining position definition through the mechanical spring force
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device is pre-loaded to automatically act on the locking section when released, performing the positioning action in advance before the operator needs to manipulate the control element further
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking section can rotate freely, then positioning is flexible, but unintentional rotation due to transverse forces may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section is designed with rotational freedom for positioning flexibility but incorporates defined end positions with mechanical stops that provide stability and prevent unintentional rotation beyond these defined positions
Solution Approach 2:
The delay unit acts as a protective mechanism that prevents unintentional rotation caused by transverse forces before such rotation can affect the locking state, cushioning against erroneous movements
4Extent of automation
If a mechanical control arrangement with spring device is used, then automatic positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device automatically positions the locking section without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving automatic positioning through a simple mechanical spring mechanism that self-regulates
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device is integrated into the existing locking mechanism structure, combining the automatic positioning function with the locking section control rather than adding a separate complex positioning system
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 reliability and safety of locking and releasing the gripping limbs, simplifying operation by reducing the risk of malfunctions and undefined intermediate positions, while minimizing the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical control arrangement can have a spring device for transferring the locking section of the male locking arrangement into an end position
Implementation Method 2
the locking section is rotationally guided by means of a pivot bearing
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument is known, which has two gripping limbs and a blocking means, which is provided in order to releasably lock the two gripping limbs relative to one another, wherein the blocking means has a female locking assembly in the region of one gripping limb and has a male locking assembly in the region of the other gripping limb, wherein the female locking assembly has a mechanical control device for locking and releasing a locking portion of the male locking assembly. According to the invention, a mechanical control assembly is assigned to the male locking assembly and is provided in order to move the locking portion of the male locking assembly out of an end position which defines a neutral position into an end position which defines a functional position and, conversely, out of the end position which defines the functional position into an end position which defines the neutral position, and the control assembly comprises securing means which are provided in order to secure the locking portion in both end positions. Use for open-surgery instruments.