Tiltable Actuator Release Device for Medical Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical implant release devices lack intuitive operation, high release force with low manual effort, and precise positioning capabilities, often requiring complex designs and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A release device with a tiltable actuator between insertion elements, allowing for targeted relative movement, featuring a robust and durable design with a non-positive connection for force transmission, and preloaded spring elements for simplified operation and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional release device is used, then the implant can be released, but the operation is not intuitive and requires complex design
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to be tiltable about an axis perpendicular to the insertion elements, allowing dynamic adjustment of the actuator's orientation. This tilting mechanism enables intuitive control where the operator can naturally tilt the actuator to activate the release, transforming a static complex mechanism into a dynamic, user-friendly interface that adapts to natural hand movements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is preloaded to automatically generate the necessary release force when the actuator is tilted, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or additional actuation mechanisms. The system uses the spring's stored energy to perform the release action automatically once triggered by the simple tilting motion, making the operation intuitive while keeping the design relatively simple
2Force
If high release force is required, then the implant can be securely detached, but high manual effort is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is preloaded to store mechanical energy that counteracts the resistance of the implant during release. This stored energy acts as a counterforce that supplements the operator's input, allowing high release forces to be generated with minimal manual effort. The spring's preloaded state creates a mechanical advantage that amplifies the operator's tilting action into a powerful release force
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator tilts about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion elements, introducing a rotational dimension to the force application. This perpendicular tilting motion transforms linear manual effort into rotational leverage, which is then converted into high axial release force through the mechanical linkage, reducing the direct manual effort required
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning is needed, then the implant can be accurately placed, but control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator can be tilted partially to achieve incremental positioning adjustments before full release. This partial action allows the operator to make fine adjustments to the implant position by controlling the degree of tilting, providing precise positioning control. The mechanism responds proportionally to the tilting angle, enabling nuanced control without over-complexity
4Reliability
If a robust design is used for force transmission, then reliable release is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release device is segmented into distinct functional components: the tiltable actuator, the spring element, and the insertion elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled into a reliable complete system. The modular design maintains robust force transmission through dedicated components while simplifying manufacturing compared to monolithic complex mechanisms
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
Enables intuitive and powerful release of medical implants with low manual force, precise positioning, and repositioning capabilities, while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, in particular a compression spring, is provided which acts on the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a release device (150, 150a, 150b) for detaching a medical implant (105) from an insertion device (110), in which the implant (105) can be released by a relative movement between a first and a second insertion element (132, 134), comprising a body (10, 10a, 10b) having a proximal end (12), which during use lies furthest from a distal end (120) of the insertion device (110), and a distal end (14), which during use faces the distal end (120) of the insertion device (110), wherein at least one first actuator (16, 18) is provided between the proximal and distal ends (12, 14), wherein the at least first actuator (16, 18) can be tilted about an axis substantially perpendicularly to at least one of the insertion elements (132, 134) so as to effect a targeted relative movement in the longitudinal direction between the first and second insertion elements (132, 134) of the insertion device (110). The invention further relates to an insertion device (110) comprising such a release device (150, 150a, 150b).