Medical Tool Coupling Device with Guide Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for medical tools, particularly dental tools, often result in faulty connections between the tool and the vibration-transmitting handpiece, leading to inefficient vibration energy transfer and potential breakage during use.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a first coupling element on the handpiece and a second coupling element on the tool, featuring a thread connection with a guide ring or flange for secure positioning and guidance, allowing for easy alignment and stable attachment, reducing the risk of improper insertion and breakage, and incorporating a fluid channel for medium transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional coupling device with ball raceway connection and frictional connection is used, then vibration energy can be transferred to the tool, but faulty connections occur leading to potential breakage during use
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into three distinct sections: a first section for detachable connection (threaded connection), a second section for positioning along the longitudinal axis, and a third section for guiding the coupling elements. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, ensuring reliable connection while simplifying the overall operation through clear functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The second section for positioning and the third section for guiding are designed to automatically align the coupling elements before the actual threaded connection is made. This preliminary action of positioning and guiding prevents misalignment and faulty connections, ensuring that the threaded connection engages properly without requiring complex manual alignment procedures.
2Strength
If a threaded connection is used for detachable connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but complex alignment and positioning procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The second section (cylindrical guide surface) and third section (guide groove and guide element) are designed to perform preliminary alignment and positioning of the coupling elements before the threaded connection engages. This ensures that the threads are properly aligned and the coupling elements are correctly positioned along the longitudinal axis, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical guide surface in the second section and the guide groove with guide element in the third section act as intermediary structures that facilitate the alignment and positioning process. These intermediary features guide the coupling elements into proper alignment before the threaded connection is made, simplifying the overall attachment process while ensuring secure connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thread turns extend fully along the coupling projection, then detachable connection is achieved, but the lateral surface of the guide ring is broken leading to reduced guidance stability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional sections, with the threaded connection (first section) separated from the guidance function (third section with guide groove and guide element). The guide ring's lateral surface remains continuous and intact, maintaining guidance stability, while the threaded connection provides detachable connection flexibility. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its function without compromising the other.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Vibration-transmitting medical tool coupling device (1), comprising: a first coupling element (4) and a second coupling element (5), wherein one of the two coupling elements (4, 5) is designed as a coupling projection (6) which can be inserted into a coupling recess (7) on the other coupling element (4, 5), wherein the coupling projection (6) and the coupling recess (7) each have a first section (8, 9) with a thread (13, 14) having at least one thread (13A) for the detachable connection of the two coupling elements (4, 5) and each a second section (10, 11) which is designed such that the two coupling elements (4, 5) can be positioned relative to each other and displaced along the common longitudinal axis (12) before the two coupling elements (4, 5) can be detachably connected to each other by means of the threads (13, 14), wherein at one end that thread (13) which is arranged on the coupling projection (6),a guide ring (36) is provided which surrounds the coupling projection (6) and on which at least one thread (13A) of the thread (13) ends.