Surgical Instrument Tip Fixation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments with exchangeable tips often have complex structures that complicate tip alignment and fixation, leading to stability issues and risks of soiling and injury due to open sides for locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design where the receiving space widens proximally to allow locking arms to align and fix the tip by elastic bending, providing feedback through snapping and preventing soiling and injury with a closed structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking devices and bearing surfaces are used for tip alignment and fixation, then the tip can be securely fixed in axial direction and angular position, but the structure becomes relatively complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and alignment function into a single integrated locking device. The locking arms perform both the alignment of the tip in angular position and the fixation in axial direction simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate bearing surfaces and locking mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable tip fixation.
2Ease of operation
If the receiving space is broken open at the sides to enable locking arms to spring out, then the locking mechanism can function, but stability is reduced and there is risk of soiling and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are designed as elastic, dynamically deformable components that can spring outwards when the tip is inserted and then return to their original position to engage the locking projection. This dynamic behavior allows the locking mechanism to function without requiring permanent openings in the receiving space walls, thereby eliminating the associated risks of soiling and injury while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving space is broken open at the sides for locking arms, then the locking arms can spring out to engage the locking projection, but the structure loses stability and creates injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are constructed as flexible, elastic components that can temporarily deform outward to engage the locking projection and then return to their original configuration. This flexibility allows the locking mechanism to adapt during insertion while the overall receiving space structure remains intact and stable, eliminating the need for permanent structural openings that would compromise stability.
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
Simplifies the instrument structure, enhances stability by eliminating open sides, and provides secure tip alignment and fixation with tactile feedback, reducing the risk of soiling and injury.
Implementation Method 1
two locking arms which are arranged next to each other and are elastically bendable apart
Implementation Method 2
the locking arms approach each other again after they have been elastically bent apart
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument with two legs movable relative to each other is provided. A tip inserted in a receiving space at the distal end of each leg is exchangeably held at the free end of the leg. A two part fixing device is provided for releasable fixation of the tip to the leg, the fixing device having on one of the parts two locking arms which are arranged next to each other and are elastically bendable apart, and on the other of the parts a locking projection extending into the leg transversely to the direction of insertion. The locking projection, when inserting the tip into the receiving space, engages between the locking arms, bending them apart, and at the end of the inserting movement, enters a recess on the inner side of the locking arms. The receiving space widens in the proximal direction from its insertion end.