Exchangeable Surgical Jaw Coupling With Tool-Free Wedge Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments require complex mechanisms, such as screws, to attach and detach jaw members, which are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A wedge-shaped protrusion and complementary wedge-shaped recess design allows for a secure, tool-free attachment and quick exchange of jaw members through positive and friction engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fastening means like screws are used to attach jaw members, then the attachment is secure, but the structure becomes complex and requires additional tools for exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion integrates both the attachment and fastening functions into a single integrated structure. The wedge-shaped protrusion on the branch member and the complementary wedge-shaped recess on the jaw member form a unified coupling mechanism that eliminates the need for separate screws or fastening means, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped coupling mechanism is designed to be self-securing through friction engagement. When the jaw member is inserted into the branch member, the wedge surfaces automatically generate friction forces that secure the attachment without requiring additional fastening operations or tools, enabling tool-free exchange while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If separate fastening means like screws are used to attach jaw members, then the attachment is secure, but the exchange process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped coupling mechanism enables self-securing through friction engagement. When the jaw member is inserted into the branch member, the wedge surfaces automatically generate friction forces that secure the attachment without requiring additional fastening operations or tools, enabling tool-free exchange while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the time-consuming screw fastening operation from the attachment process. By removing the separate fastening means and replacing it with a friction-based wedge coupling, the exchange process is reduced to simple insertion and engagement movements, dramatically reducing the time required for jaw member exchange.
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms with separate fastening means are used, then reliable attachment is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion integrates both the attachment and fastening functions into a single integrated structure. The wedge-shaped protrusion on the branch member and the complementary wedge-shaped recess on the jaw member form a unified coupling mechanism that eliminates the need for separate screws or fastening means, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the time-consuming screw fastening operation from the attachment process. By removing the separate fastening means and replacing it with a friction-based wedge coupling, the exchange process is reduced to simple insertion and engagement movements, dramatically reducing the time required for jaw member exchange.
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 simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing and purchasing costs, and enables rapid jaw member replacement without tools.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge-shaped protrusion is configured to snugly fit into the wedge-shaped recess. It goes without saying that, since the wedge-shaped recess is complementary to the wedge-shaped protrusion, it comprises two wedge (recess) surfaces being complementary to the two wedge surfaces of the wedge-shaped protrusion. Hence, the two wedge (recess) surfaces oppose each other along the medial/lateral axis, are inclined in proximal direction toward each other by the first angle of inclination and are inclined inwardly toward each other by a second angle of inclination. The wedge surfaces of the wedge-shaped protrusion interact with the wedge (recess) surfaces of the wedge-shaped recess by positive engagement (form fit) and friction engagement (friction fit).
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes two pivotally coupled branches. Each branch has a handling portion and a jaw portion. The jaw portions form a mouth which is movable between a closed state, in which the jaw portions are moved inwardly, and an open state, in which the jaw portions are moved outwardly. At least one branch includes a branch member and jaw member. The branch member includes one of the handling portions and a coupling. The jaw member forms one of the jaw portions and has a complementary coupling. The coupling and complementary coupling form a releasable connection to exchangeably attach the jaw member to the branch member. The coupling includes two wedge surfaces opposing each other along a medial/lateral axis. The wedge surfaces are inclined proximally toward each other by a first angle of inclination, and inclined inwardly toward each other by a second angle of inclination.