Zero-Overtravel Push-Push Mechanism for Medical Clamp Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-to-open and push-to-close mechanisms require overtravel to latch and unlatch, which can be undesirable in medical applications where additional pressure may cause tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with zero overtravel is developed, utilizing a plunger, torsion mechanism, and stopping mechanism that allows the shaft to extend and retract without exceeding the final latched or unlatched position, using a torsion spring and ratchet to lock rotational positions and apply bias, ensuring the same motion can be used for both latching and unlatching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing push-push mechanisms are used, then latching and unlatching functions are achieved, but overtravel occurs causing additional pressure and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs a dynamic stopping mechanism that transitions between proximal and distal positions based on the rotational state of the torsion mechanism, enabling the shaft to precisely stop at extended or retracted positions without overtravel, while maintaining the simple push-push operation mode
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion mechanism acts as an intermediary between the plunger and stopping mechanism, converting axial plunger movement into rotational motion that controls the stopping mechanism's position, thereby eliminating overtravel while preserving ease of operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If differing mechanisms are used to open and close the device, then overtravel is eliminated, but device complexity increases and user memory burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same plunger mechanism serves dual functions for both opening and closing operations by controlling the torsion mechanism's rotation direction, eliminating the need for different mechanisms while maintaining overtravel elimination
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses periodic bidirectional rotation of the torsion mechanism (clockwise for closing, countercwise for opening) to achieve different states without requiring structurally different mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while eliminating overtravel
3Reliability
If the shaft extends beyond the final position to engage latch, then latching is achieved, but overtravel occurs applying additional pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping mechanism is preliminarily positioned in the distal position during the closing operation, preparing the shaft to stop exactly at the extended position without extending beyond it, thereby ensuring reliable latching without additional overtravel pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion mechanism provides feedback through its rotational state to control the stopping mechanism's axial position, ensuring the shaft stops precisely at the extended or retracted position based on the rotation direction, eliminating overtravel while maintaining latching reliability
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
This solution eliminates the need for overtravel, reducing the risk of tissue damage in medical applications and simplifies the operation by allowing the same motion to be used for both opening and closing, ensuring the end of the instrument never travels beyond the final latched or unlatched position.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion mechanism may include a torsion spring configured to apply rotational force to the stopping mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The torsion mechanism may include a ratchet coupled to the rotator and configured to rotate with the rotator
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present disclosure provide push-to-open and push-to-close mechanisms with no (zero) overtravel. Further, for ease of the operation, the same motion is used to latch and unlatch (e.g., open and close) the device. As a result, the end of an instrument (e.g., medical clamp) never travels beyond the final latched/unlatched (e.g., open or closed) positions avoiding associated issues such as pain to a patient or tissue damage.