Surgical Instrument Separable Connecting Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical instruments face challenges in cleanability and disinfectability due to the complexity of separating and reassembling their working and operating units, which can lead to difficulties in maintaining hygiene and efficiency during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design featuring a connecting device with a movement stop and latching element, allowing for separable connection and disconnection without tools, along with a locking device and unlocking mechanism, enables easy cleaning and disinfection while maintaining structural integrity and operational functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the working unit and operating unit are separably connected for cleaning and disinfection, then cleanability and disinfectability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for connecting and disconnecting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into separable working unit and operating unit that can be disconnected for cleaning and disinfection, then reconnected for use. This segmentation allows each part to be cleaned independently while maintaining functional integrity when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device employs a nested structure where the latching element fits within recesses of the working and operating units. The latching element can be received in a first recess in the working unit and a second recess in the operating unit, creating a compact integrated connection mechanism.
2Reliability
If a latching element is used to securely connect the working unit and operating unit, then connection reliability is improved, but the risk of losing small components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is combined with the spring element into an integrated assembly that is retained within the operating unit when disconnected. The unlocking operating means is integrated into the handle area, allowing secure release while preventing loss of small components during disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary that biases the latching element into the engaged position, providing secure connection while the unlocking mechanism serves as an intermediary control that allows intentional disconnection without losing components.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free connection and disconnection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is designed to be operated without tools by the user through the unlocking operating means. The spring element automatically biases the latching element into the engaged position, and the movement stop automatically prevents over-travel, making the system self-regulating and tool-free.
4Reliability
If the latching element is biased into engagement by a spring element, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves multiple functions: it biases the latching element into the engaged position, provides force for maintaining connection, and works with the movement stop to define the engaged state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention specifically relates to a surgical instrument, especially a minimally invasive surgical instrument, comprising a working unit (12) and a control unit (14), which have two operating elements (16, 18) that can be detached from one another for the purposes of cleaning and/or disinfection. According to the invention, the surgical instrument comprises a connecting device (20) which is designed to interconnect the working unit (12) and the control unit (14) such that they can be detached from one another for the purposes of cleaning and/or disinfection.