Ureteroscope Handle Deflection Lever Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible ureteroscopes require frequent manipulation of a lever to control the tip, leading to thumb fatigue and increased complexity with the need for a locking mechanism that requires additional hand action.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a handle that includes a deflection lever and a locking mechanism, allowing the distal end of the shaft to be locked in a desired position using a single thumb, reducing fatigue and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the deflection lever is made manually operable without locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tip cannot be held in a fixed position leading to thumb fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the deflection lever assembly, combining the locking function with the existing lever structure. The locking member engages with the deflection lever through a slot and pivot hole arrangement, allowing single-thumb operation that merges position holding and deflection control into one unified mechanism.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to hold the tip in position, then the tip can be fixed in desired location, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the existing handle structure. The locking member fits through a slot in the deflection lever and pivots within a pivot hole, with the spring housed in the same space. This nested arrangement provides reliable locking without adding external complexity.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism requires two-hand operation, then the locking is more secure, but the ease of operation is reduced and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking member automatically engages with the deflection lever when the lever is released, providing self-locking functionality. The spring force ensures positive engagement without requiring manual intervention from a second hand, making the system self-servicing for the locking action.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the sheath. The handle includes a deflection lever coupled thereto. The deflection lever is rotatable proximally and distally along the handle to deflect a distal end of the shaft to which it is operably coupled and a locking mechanism movable between an locked configuration in which the locking mechanism engages an engagement feature on the outer surface of the handle, preventing the deflection lever from rotating and locking the distal end of the shaft in a desired position, and an unlocked configuration in which the locking mechanism releases the engagement feature to allow rotation of the deflection lever and deflection of the distal end of the shaft.