Surgical Instrument Pin Insertion Tool with D-Ring Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of surgical instruments, particularly those employing pivot pins, is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and secure fixation of pins within the instrument's components, which existing methods fail to address efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A pin insertion tool with a housing, plunger, D-ring, and spring mechanism that retains and deploys pivot pins into the surgical instrument's components, ensuring accurate alignment and secure fixation through a compressive force applied by the D-ring and controlled deployment by the plunger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual pin insertion methods are used, then the assembly process is simple, but the alignment precision and secure fixation of pins are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized pin insertion tool as an intermediary device between the manual operator and the pin insertion process. This tool includes a housing with a central lumen for receiving the pin, a retention channel with a D-ring for securing the pin, and a plunger mechanism for controlled deployment. The intermediary tool provides precise alignment guides and controlled force application, achieving accurate pin placement without requiring complex manual dexterity or multiple separate tools.
2Reliability
If existing pin insertion methods are used, then the assembly process is fast, but the reliability of pin fixation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by incorporating a retention channel with a D-ring that secures the pin in the correct position within the housing before insertion occurs. The plunger mechanism is pre-configured to apply controlled compressive force through the pin during deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that the pin is properly positioned and will be reliably fixedated upon insertion, eliminating the need for subsequent adjustment or verification steps that would consume additional time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin insertion tool is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The spring-loaded plunger mechanism automatically provides the necessary force for pin deployment when activated, and the D-ring automatically secures the pin in place. The tool requires minimal operator intervention beyond inserting the pin into the housing and activating the plunger, making the process both reliable and efficient without requiring complex external equipment or multiple operators.
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
Facilitates efficient and precise assembly of surgical instruments by ensuring accurate pin placement and secure retention, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring may be disposed within the central lumen of the housing. The spring may be a compression spring.
Implementation Method 2
A D-ring is at least partially seated within the retention channel and extends into the distal portion of the central lumen to retain the pin therein by applying a compressive force to the pin.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion tool facilitating assembly of a surgical instrument includes a housing defining a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a central lumen. The central lumen extends therethrough the housing between a distal opening and a proximal opening, and defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The central lumen is configured to receive a portion of a pin within the distal portion thereof. The insertion tool further includes retention channel defined about the housing at the distal end portion thereof. The retention channel is in communication with the central lumen. A D-ring is at least partially seated within the retention channel and extends into the distal portion of the central lumen to retain the pin therein by applying a compressive force to the pin. A plunger is configured to slide through the central lumen to deploy the pin distally from the distal opening of the central lumen.