Uterus Manipulator Sliding Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uterus manipulators require two hands to lock the actuator in place, leading to unnecessary pressure on the uterus tissue during screw tightening, which can cause injuries.

Innovation Solution

A slidable clamping element within a locking device allows for one-handed operation, eliminating the need for screwing motions and reducing pressure on the tissue by enabling a sliding motion instead of turning, combined with a pivoting lever that converts into a linear motion for secure locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a screw mechanism is used for locking the actuator, then the locking device can be compact and simple in structure, but two hands are required for operation and tissue pressure increases during tightening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device structureVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw mechanism with a sliding clamping element that moves linearly along the actuator. This substitution eliminates the need for rotational tightening motions and allows the locking device to be operated with one hand, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the motion parameter from rotational (screw tightening) to linear (sliding clamping). This parameter change allows the clamping element to be positioned and locked without twisting motions, reducing tissue pressure during operation while maintaining effective locking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a screw mechanism is used for locking, then the locking device can be compact, but unnecessary pressure is applied to the uterus tissue during tightening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device structureVSAvoidtissue pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw tightening mechanism with a sliding clamping element that moves linearly. This substitution eliminates the twisting motions inherent in screw mechanisms, thereby preventing unnecessary pressure and potential injury to the uterus tissue during the locking operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying force through rotational tightening that can cause twisting, the invention uses a sliding motion where the clamping element is pushed linearly against the actuator. This inverted approach to achieving the clamping force eliminates the harmful twisting effect while maintaining secure locking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a sliding clamping element is used instead of a screw, then one-handed operation is enabled and tissue pressure is reduced, but the clamping mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation difficultyVSAvoidlocking device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle for actuation, a sliding clamping element for locking, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling one-handed operation while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8182492B2Medical instrument, especially uterus manipulator

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

A medical instrument, especially a uterus manipulator, comprises a shaft, an actuator movable relative to said shaft in order to move a tool and a locking device to lock the actuator relative to the shaft. It is now proposed that the locking device comprises a clamping element which is slidably arranged therein.