Trocar Button Latch Mechanism for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trocar assemblies have complicated and unreliable mechanisms for securing first and second housing members, making it difficult to facilitate one-handed operation and efficient specimen removal during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A button latch mechanism that includes a latching member sliding about a central axis of the housing members, with detainment legs and a resilient button flex ring for secure coupling and easy disengagement of the housing members, allowing for one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior trocar housings use complicated mechanisms for securing housing members, then the connection is secure, but the operation becomes difficult and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a button member for actuation, a latching member with detachable legs for engagement, and a resilient flex ring for maintaining latching force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism transitions from a static complex mechanism to a dynamic simple system. The button member can be pressed to dynamically change the state of the latching member, allowing it to move between engaged and disengaged positions. The resilient flex ring provides dynamic adjustment to maintain optimal latching force throughout the range of motion.
2Reliability
If prior trocar housings use complicated mechanisms for securing housing members, then the connection is secure, but the mechanism becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient flex ring serves itself by automatically maintaining constant outward pressure on the latching member, ensuring continuous engagement force without requiring external springs or adjustment mechanisms. The latching member self-adjusts its position in response to the flex ring's pressure, maintaining reliable connection through self-regulating mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential latching function from complex multi-component mechanisms and implements it through a simplified system with only three main components. By removing unnecessary intermediate elements and directly connecting the button actuation to the latching action, the mechanism achieves higher reliability through fewer potential failure points.
3Ease of operation
If the first housing member is removed during specimen removal, then specimen removal is easier with less trauma, but the housing members need reliable reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is preliminarily configured with the button member positioned for easy access and the latching member pre-loaded by the flex ring. This preliminary arrangement ensures that both engagement and disengagement can be performed reliably and quickly, facilitating efficient specimen removal while maintaining the capability for secure reconnection afterward.
4Ease of operation
If a button latch mechanism with sliding latching member is used, then one-handed operation is enabled, but the mechanism must prevent accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient flex ring provides continuous curved contact with the latching member, creating a stable arc-shaped engagement zone. This curved geometry ensures that the latching member remains firmly held in the engaged position through constant radial pressure, preventing accidental disengagement while allowing intentional release through button actuation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A trocar housing for a trocar assembly includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned apertures shaped and dimensioned for passage of an instrument therethrough. A button latch mechanism selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member, the button latch mechanism including a latching member which slides about a central axis of the first and second housing members for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.