transmission assembly

Abstract

An assembly includes a drive gear coupled to a shaft and a turntable. The drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis based on movement of the turntable. The assembly includes a first link member positioned along a second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact with the drive gear as the drive gear rotates. The assembly includes a second link member positioned along the second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on the rotation of the drive gear and a coupling between the first link member and the second link member. The assembly includes a link member selector configured to rotate about the first axis and to select at least one position of the first link member that causes the coupling between the first link member and the second link member.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional patent application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 838,284, filed April 24, 2019, pursuant to claim 35 U.SC119(e), the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure describes an assembly of components for actuating surgical instruments. Background Technology

[0004] A notable trend in the medical community is the abandonment of traditional "open" surgical techniques in favor of minimally invasive techniques or minimally invasive approaches. Open surgical techniques are less than ideal because they typically require large incisions and significant tissue displacement to obtain access to the surgical target site, resulting in substantial pain, prolonged hospital stays (increasing healthcare costs), and high morbidity rates among the patient population. Minimally invasive surgical techniques (including so-called "minimally invasive approaches" and "minimally invasive" techniques) are favored because they involve access to the surgical target site via substantially smaller incisions and greatly reduce the need for tissue displacement.

[0005] Current access systems require multiple inputs to actuate components in multiple directions or to shift the anchor point of the retractor from one location to another to create customized exposure of the target surgical site. There is a need for an access system that enables surgeons to create reproducible, customized exposure of the target surgical site in a faster and less complex manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, the component includes a turntable and a shaft coupled to the turntable. The component also includes a drive gear coupled to the shaft. The drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis based on movement of the turntable. The component further includes a first linking member positioned along a second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. The component also includes a second linking member positioned about the second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on rotation of the drive gear and coupling between the first and second linking members. The component further includes a linking member selector configured to rotate about the first axis. The linking member selector includes a handle for rotating the linking member selector and selecting at least one position corresponding to the first linking member. The linking member selector also includes a cylindrical body integrally formed with the handle. The cylindrical body includes a hole along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body also includes at least one protrusion configured to apply force to the first linking member based on selection of the position corresponding to the first linking member via the handle. A force applied to the first linking member causes a connection between the first linking member and the second linking member. The hole is configured to receive the shaft.

[0007] In another embodiment, the component includes a turntable and a shaft coupled to the turntable. The component also includes a drive gear coupled to the shaft. The drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis based on movement of the turntable. The component also includes a plurality of linking members. The plurality of linking members includes a first linking member positioned along a second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation of the drive gear. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. The plurality of linking members also includes a second linking member positioned about the second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on rotation of the drive gear and a connection between the first and second linking members. The plurality of linking members also includes a third linking member positioned along a third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation of the drive gear. The third axis is perpendicular to both the first and second axes. The plurality of linking members also includes a fourth linking member positioned about the third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on rotation of the drive gear and a connection between the third and fourth linking members. The component also includes a link member selector configured to rotate about a first axis. The link member selector includes a handle for rotating the selector and selecting a position corresponding to one of a plurality of links. The link member selector also includes a cylindrical body integrally formed with the handle. The cylindrical body includes a hole along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body also includes at least one protrusion configured to apply force to at least one of the plurality of links based on the selection of a position corresponding to the first and third links via the handle. The hole is configured to receive the shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Many advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when this specification is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are applied to the same elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 An exploded view of components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Another view of the component;

[0011] Figure 3 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Part of the components;

[0012] Figure 4 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A top view of a part of a component;

[0013] Figure 5 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A bottom view of a part of a component;

[0014] Figure 6 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A bottom view of a part of a component;

[0015] Figure 7 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A bottom view of a part of a component;

[0016] Figure 8 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A bottom view of a part of a component;

[0017] Figure 9 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A bottom view of a part of a component;

[0018] Figure 10 An example pinion assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 11 A surgical retractor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. For clarity, not all features of actual implementations are described in this specification. It should be understood, of course, that in the development of any such actual embodiment, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, but remain routine tasks for those skilled in the art who will benefit from this disclosure. It should also be readily understood that although the following discussion is primarily in the context of spinal surgery, the surgical access system of the present invention can be employed in any number of anatomical settings to provide access to any number of different surgical target sites throughout the body. It should also be clearly noted that although this document has been shown and described primarily in the context of lateral or lateral surgery in the lumbar spine, the access system of the present invention can be used in any number of other spinal surgical access methods, including but not limited to posterior, posterolateral, and anterolateral approaches, and can be employed in the lumbar, thoracic, and / or cervical spine, all without departing from the invention. The surgical access system disclosed herein provides detailed descriptions of various inventive features and components that ensure patent protection, both individually and in combination.

[0021] The examples described herein include subsystems that enable a surgical retractor (including components) to be used during surgical procedures. In one example, the component includes a turntable that is attachable to and detachable from a shaft. In this example, the shaft is coupled to a drive gear. The drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis of the component based on movement of the turntable. In this example, the component also includes a first linking member positioned along a second axis of the component. The first linking member includes a gear and is configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact between the gear and the drive gear as the drive gear rotates via movement of the turntable. As an example, the gear and drive gear may be bevel gears. The component also includes a second linking member positioned along the second axis. The second linking member is configured to rotate about the second axis based on rotation of the drive gear and engagement between the first and second linking members. In one example, engagement between the first and second linking members is based on the engagement of a first locking element of the first linking member and a second locking element of the second linking member. In one example, the component includes a linking member selector configured to rotate about the first axis of the component. The linking member selector includes a handle for rotating the linking member selector to a position corresponding to the first linking member. The link member selector includes a cylindrical body integrally formed with a handle. The cylindrical body includes a hole along its longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body also includes a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to apply a force to the first link member based on a selection corresponding to the position of the first link member. Based on linear movement of the first link member along a second axis, the force on the first link member causes a connection between the first and second link members. The hole is configured to receive the shaft.

[0022] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1An exploded view of an exemplary component 100 is shown. Component 100 includes a body 102. The body 102 is configured to receive a link member selector 120 along a first axis 112. The link member selector 120 is configured to receive a shaft 106 coupled to a drive gear 108 via a fastener 110. The shaft 106 is configured to receive a turntable 104. The body 102 is configured to receive a first link member 114 along a second axis 116. The body 102 includes a nut 160, which is configured to receive the first link member 114 and a second link member 118 along the second axis 116. The second link member 118 is configured to receive the first link member 114. The body 102 is configured to receive a third link member 130 along a third axis 132. The body 102 is configured to receive a center arm 162. The center arm 162 is configured to receive the third link member 130 and a fourth link member 134 along the third axis 132. A fourth linking member 134 is configured to receive a third linking member 130. A body 102 is configured to receive a fifth linking member 138 along a second axis 116. A body 102 includes a nut 164 configured to receive the fifth linking member 138 and a sixth linking member 140 along the second axis 116. The sixth linking member 140 is configured to receive the fifth linking member 138. A body 102 is configured to receive a seventh linking member 142 along a third axis 132. A body 102 includes a nut 166 configured to receive the seventh linking member 142 and an eighth linking member 144 along the third axis 132. The eighth linking member 144 is configured to receive the seventh linking member 142. The body includes a post 146 along a fourth axis 198. Figure 1 As shown, the first axis 112 is perpendicular to the second axis 116, and the second axis 116 is perpendicular to the third axis 132. Although these axes are shown as perpendicular to each other in this exemplary component 100, other angles between the various axes of the three axes are conceivable.

[0023] The link component selector 120 includes a handle 122 for rotating the link component selector 120 about a first axis 112. The link component selector 120 includes a cylindrical body 124 integrally formed with the handle 122. The cylindrical body 124 includes a hole 126 along its longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body 124 includes, for example... Figure 1 The multiple protrusions 128, 129, 135, and 136 shown, as well as Figure 1Protrusions 137 and 139 are not shown. The link component selector 120 includes an indicator 123 and a window 125 for aligning the link component selector 120 with a position for selecting at least one link component and for viewing a mark (not shown) on the body 102 corresponding to that position. In one example, the indicator 123 is configured to be aligned with the position for selecting at least one link component. In this example, one or more marks (not shown) corresponding to one or more positions for selecting at least one link component are positioned along the periphery of the body 102. Continuing with this example, as the link component selector 120 is rotated about a first axis 112 to a given position associated with a given mark, one or more marks along the periphery of the body 102 become visible through the window 125. In one example, a handle 122 is used to rotate the link component selector 120 to a position for selecting at least one of the link components 114, 130, 138, and 142. Depending on the selected location, at least one of the protrusions 128, 129, 135, 136, 137 and 139 will apply force to at least one of the linking members 114, 130, 138 and 142.

[0024] For example, based on a desired selection of the first link member 114, the link member selector 120 is rotated about the first axis 112 to a given position corresponding to the first link member 114. Due to the selection of the first link member 114, the protrusion 135 will apply a force to the first link member 114. The force applied to the first link member 114 causes the first link member 114 to move linearly from a first position to a second position along the second axis 116. In this example, the linear movement of the first link member 114 from the first position to the second position will result in a connection between the first link member 114 and the second link member 118. In another example, based on the rotation of the link member selector 120 and the selection of the third link member 130, the protrusion 137 (not shown) will apply a force to the third link member 130, which causes the third link member 130 to move linearly along the third axis 132. In this example, the linear movement of the third link member 130 along the third axis 132 from the first position to the second position will result in a connection between the third link member 130 and the fourth link member 134. In another example, based on the rotation of link member selector 120 and the selection of fifth link member 138, one of the protrusions 128, 129, 135, 136, and 139 (not shown) will apply a force to fifth link member 138, causing it to move linearly along second axis 116. In this example, the linear movement of fifth link member 138 along second axis 116 from a third position to a fourth position will result in a connection between fifth link member 138 and sixth link member 140. In another example, based on the rotation of link member selector 120 and the selection of seventh link member 142, protrusion 137 will apply a force to seventh link member 142, causing it to move linearly along third axis 132. In this example, the linear movement of seventh link member 142 along third axis 132 from a third position to a fourth position will result in a connection between seventh link member 142 and eighth link member 144.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the hole 126 of the link member selector 120 is configured to receive the shaft 106. In one example, the diameter of the hole 126 and the diameter of the shaft 106 are respectively sized to allow the shaft 106 to rotate about the first axis 112 within the hole 126. In one example, when the turntable 104 is coupled to the shaft 106, the rotation of the shaft 106 is achieved by the movement of the turntable 104. The rotation of the shaft 106 also causes the drive gear 108 and the link members 114, 130, 138 and 142 to rotate.

[0026] Spring 152 is inserted between the first connecting member 114 and the second connecting member 118. Spring 154 is inserted between the third connecting member 130 and the fourth connecting member 134. Spring 156 is inserted between the fifth connecting member 138 and the sixth connecting member 140. Spring 158 is inserted between the seventh connecting member 142 and the eighth connecting member 144. In one example, each of springs 152, 154, 156, and 158 is configured to operate as a compression spring. In this example, springs 152, 154, 156, and 158 are configured to provide a predetermined resistance between adjacent connecting members in order to maintain a distance between two adjacent connecting members that prevents them from engaging with each other. Continuing the example, springs 152, 154, 156, and 158 are also configured to compress based on a force applied to at least one of the linking members 114, 130, 138, and 142 by one of the protrusions 128, 129, 135, 136, 137, and 139. For example, two adjacent linking members (e.g., first linking member 114 and second linking member 118) are configured to interlock based on a predetermined amount of compression on a given spring (e.g., spring 152) according to the force applied to a given linking member (e.g., linking member 114) due to the position of the linking member selector 120.

[0027] Nut 160 includes an internally threaded portion configured to engage with a threaded portion of the second linking member 118. In one example, linking member selector 120 is rotated to a position corresponding to the selection of the first linking member 114, thereby causing engagement between the first linking member 114 and the second linking member 118 as described above. In this example, turntable 104 rotates clockwise about a first axis 112, thereby causing rotation of drive gear 108 clockwise about the first axis 112 and rotation of the first linking member 114 about a second axis 116. Continuing with this example, due to the engagement between the first linking member 114 and the second linking member 118, the second linking member 118 also rotates about the second axis 116. Based on the contact between the internally threaded portion of nut 160 and the threaded portion of the second linking member 118, the rotational movement of the second linking member 118 is converted into linear movement of nut 160 away from body 102 along the second axis 116. In this example, when the turntable 104 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis 112, the rotational movement of the second link member 118 is converted into the linear movement of the nut 160 along the second axis 116 toward the body 102.

[0028] The central arm 162 includes an internally threaded portion configured to engage with a threaded portion of the fourth link member 134. In one example, the link member selector 120 is rotated to a position corresponding to the selection of the third link member 130, thereby causing the engagement between the third link member 130 and the fourth link member 134 as described above. In this example, the turntable 104 rotates clockwise about the first axis 112, thereby causing the drive gear 108 to rotate clockwise about the first axis 112 and the third link member 130 to rotate about the third axis 132. Continuing with this example, due to the engagement between the third link member 130 and the fourth link member 134, the fourth link member 134 also rotates about the third axis 132. Based on the contact between the internally threaded portion of the central arm 162 and the threaded portion of the fourth link member 134, the rotational movement of the fourth link member 134 is converted into a linear movement of the central arm 162 away from the body 102 along the third axis 132. In this example, when the turntable 104 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis 112, the rotational movement of the fourth link member 134 is converted into a linear movement of the central arm 162 toward the body 102 along the third axis 132.

[0029] Nut 164 includes an internally threaded portion configured to engage with a threaded portion of the sixth link member 140. In one example, link member selector 120 is rotated to a position corresponding to the selection of the fifth link member 138, thereby causing engagement between the fifth link member 138 and the sixth link member 140 as described above. In this example, turntable 104 rotates clockwise about a first axis 112, thereby causing rotation of drive gear 108 clockwise about the first axis 112 and rotation of the fifth link member 138 about a second axis 116. Continuing with this example, due to the engagement between the fifth link member 138 and the sixth link member 140, the sixth link member 140 also rotates about the second axis 116. Based on the contact between the internally threaded portion of nut 164 and the threaded portion of the sixth link member 140, the rotational movement of the sixth link member 140 is converted into linear movement of nut 164 away from body 102 along the second axis 116. In this example, when the turntable 104 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis 112, the rotational movement of the second link member 138 is converted into the linear movement of the nut 164 along the second axis 116 toward the body 102.

[0030] Nut 166 includes an internally threaded portion configured to engage with a threaded portion of the eighth link member 144. In one example, link member selector 120 is rotated to a position corresponding to the selection of the seventh link member 142, thereby causing engagement between the seventh link member 142 and the eighth link member 144 as described above. In this example, turntable 104 rotates clockwise about a first axis 112, thereby causing rotation of drive gear 108 clockwise about the first axis 112 and rotation of the seventh link member 142 about a third axis 132. Continuing with this example, due to the engagement between the seventh link member 142 and the eighth link member 144, the eighth link member 144 also rotates about the third axis 132. Based on the contact between the internally threaded portion of nut 166 and the threaded portion of the eighth link member 144, the rotational movement of the eighth link member 144 is converted into linear movement of nut 166 along the third axis 132 toward body 102. In this example, when the turntable 104 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis 112, the rotational movement of the eighth link member 144 is converted into the linear movement of the nut 166 away from the body 102 along the third axis 132.

[0031] In one example, the link member selector 120 is rotated to a position on the body 102 corresponding to the selection of the first link member 114 and the fifth link member 138. In this example, a first force is applied to the first link member 114 by one of the protrusions 128, 129, 135, 136, and 139, and a second force is applied to the fifth link member 138 by another of the protrusions 128, 129, 135, 136, and 139. As described above, the first force causes a connection between the first link member 114 and the second link member 118. Also as described above, the second force causes a connection between the fifth link member 138 and the sixth link member 140. Continuing with this example, the turntable 104 rotates clockwise about the first axis 112, thereby causing the drive gear 108 to rotate clockwise about the first axis 112 and the first link member 114 and the fifth link member 138 to rotate simultaneously about the second axis 116. In this example, due to the connection between the first linking member 114 and the second linking member 118, and the connection between the fifth linking member 138 and the sixth linking member 140, the second linking member 118 and the sixth linking member 140 also rotate about the second axis 116. Based on the contact between the internal thread portion of the nut 160 and the threaded portion of the second linking member 118, and the contact between the internal thread portion of the nut 164 and the threaded portion of the sixth linking member 140, the rotational movement of the second linking member 118 and the sixth linking member 140 is converted into linear movement of the nuts 160 and 164 along the second axis 116 away from the body 102. In this example, when the turntable 104 rotates counterclockwise about the first axis 112, the rotational movement of the second linking member 118 and the sixth linking member 140 is converted into linear movement of the nuts 160 and 164 along the second axis 116 toward the body 102.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, post 146 is coupled to body 102. Anti-rotation feature 150 is secured to body 102 at a first end of post 146. In one example, post 146 is configured to attach component 100 to an external arm (not shown) to hold component 100 in a fixed position during a surgical procedure. In one example, the external arm is a hinged arm comprising one or more segments connected by joints that allow each segment to bend or turn independently in different directions.

[0033] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The assembly view of component 100. (Example) Figure 2As shown, the link member selector 120 is in a position corresponding to the seventh link member 142 (not shown). In this position, based on the rotation of the turntable 104 about the first axis 112, the rotational movement of the drive gear 108 (not shown) about the first axis 112, the rotational movement of the seventh link member 142 about the third axis 132, and the rotational movement of the eighth link member 144 (not shown) about the third axis 132 will be converted into the linear movement of the nut 166 along the third axis 132, as described above.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The view of the link component selector 120. (e.g.) Figure 3 As shown, the link member selector 120 includes a plurality of protrusions 128, 129, 135, 136, 137, and 139 positioned along a cylindrical body 124. In one example, protrusion 137 is configured to extend along the entire length of the cylindrical body 124. In this example, the contact position of the third link member 130 along the first axis 116 and the contact position of the seventh link member 142 along the first axis 116 are located along the first axis 112, above the contact positions corresponding to each of the protrusions 135, 136, and 139. The difference between the contact position of the third link member 130 along the first axis 112 and the contact positions along the first axis 112 corresponding to each of the protrusions 135, 136, and 139 is such that protrusion 137 can apply force at the contact position of the third link member 130. As described above, the force applied to the third link member 130 results in a connection between the third link member 130 and the fourth link member 134. Similarly, the difference between the contact position of the seventh link member 142 along the first axis 112 and the contact position along the first axis 112 corresponding to each of the protrusions 135, 136, and 139 is such that protrusion 137 can apply force at the contact position of the seventh link member 142. The force applied to the seventh link member 142 results in the connection between the seventh link member 142 and the eighth link member 144, as described above.

[0035] In another example, the contact positions of the first connecting member 114 and the fifth connecting member 138 along the first axis 112 are located at the same positions along the first axis 112 as the contact positions corresponding to the protrusions 135, 136, and 139. In this example, these corresponding positions only allow the protrusions 135, 136, and 139 to apply force at the contact position of the first connecting member 114. As described above, the force applied to the first connecting member 114 results in a connection between the first connecting member 114 and the second connecting member 118. Similarly, the same positions of the contact positions of the fifth connecting member 138 along the first axis 112 and the contact positions corresponding to the protrusions 135, 136, and 139 only allow the protrusions 135, 136, and 139 to apply force at the contact position of the fifth connecting member 138. As described above, the force applied to the fifth connecting member 138 results in a connection between the fifth connecting member 138 and the sixth connecting member 140.

[0036] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A top view of a subset of the components of component 100. (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown, the link member selector 120 has been rotated to a position corresponding to the first link member 114 (not shown). The first link member 114 includes a first gear 168, which is positioned along the second axis 116 and configured to, when the drive gear 108 rotates, based on... Figure 1 The drive gear 108 (not shown) rotates upon contact. The first linking member 114 includes a locking tooth 170 extending from the first gear 168. The second linking member 118 includes a locking tooth 172 extending from the second linking member 118. The locking tooth 172 extending from the second linking member 118 is configured to interlock with the locking tooth 170 extending from the first gear 168 based on linear movement of the first linking member 118 from a first position along the second axis 116 to a second position along the second axis 116, as... Figure 4 As shown. In this case, the locking tooth 172 extending from the second link member 118 is configured to disengage from the locking tooth 170 extending from the first gear 168 based on linear movement of the first link member 118 from a second position along the second axis 116 to a first position along the second axis 116. In one example, the second link member 118 includes a guide screw configured to convert rotational movement into linear movement based on rotation of the drive gear 108 and the engagement between the first link member 114 and the second link member 118.

[0037] Figure 5 It shows the corresponding Figure 4 The top view and the bottom view. For example... Figure 5As shown, the third link member 130 includes a second gear 180, which is positioned along the third axis 132 and configured to, when the drive gear 108 rotates, be based on... Figure 1 The drive gear 108 (not shown) rotates upon contact with the drive gear 108. The third link member 130 includes a locking tooth 182 extending from the second gear 180. The fourth link member 134 includes a locking tooth 184. The locking tooth 184 extending from the fourth link member 134 is configured to interlock with the locking tooth 182 extending from the second gear 180 based on linear movement of the third link member 130 from a first position along the third axis 132 to a second position along the third axis 132. The locking tooth 184 extending from the fourth link member 134 is configured to disengage from the locking tooth 182 extending from the second gear 180 based on linear movement of the third link member 130 from a second position along the third axis 132 to a first position along the third axis 132. In one example, the fourth link member 134 includes a guide screw configured to convert rotational movement into linear movement based on rotation of the drive gear 108 and the engagement between the third link member 130 and the fourth link member 134.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the fifth link member 138 includes a third gear 174, which is positioned along the second axis 116 and configured to, when the drive gear 108 rotates, based on... Figure 1 The drive gear 108 rotates upon contact. The fifth link member 138 includes a locking tooth 176 extending from the third gear 174. The sixth link member 140 also includes a locking tooth 178. The locking tooth 178 extending from the sixth link member 140 is configured based on the fifth link member 138 from a third position along the second axis 116 to a fourth position along the second axis 116 (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The linear movement of the fifth link member 138 (as shown) interlocks with the locking teeth 176 extending from the third gear. The locking teeth 176, 178 are configured to disengage based on the linear movement of the fifth link member 138 from a fourth position along the second axis 116 to a third position along the second axis 116.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the seventh link member 142 includes a fourth gear 186, which is positioned along the third axis 132 and configured to, when the drive gear 108 rotates, based on... Figure 1The drive gear 108 rotates upon contact. The seventh link member 142 includes a locking tooth 188 extending from the fourth gear 186. The eighth link member 144 also includes a locking tooth 190. The locking teeth 188 and 190 are configured to interlock based on linear movement of the seventh link member 142 from a third position along the third axis 132 to a fourth position along the third axis 132. The locking teeth 188 and 190 are configured to disengage based on linear movement of the seventh link member 142 from a fourth position along the third axis 132 to a third position along the third axis 132.

[0040] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 5 A bottom view of a subset of the components of component 100. (e.g.) Figure 6 As shown, the link member selector 120 has been rotated to a position corresponding to the third link member 130. In this case, the locking teeth 184 extending from the fourth link member are configured to move from a first position along the third axis 132 to a second position along the first axis 132 based on the third link member 130 (e.g., ...). Figure 6 The linear movement of the third link member 130 (as shown) interlocks with the locking teeth 182 extending from the second gear 180. In this case, the locking teeth 182, 184 are configured to disengage based on the linear movement of the third link member 130 from a second position along the third axis 132 to a first position along the third axis 132.

[0041] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 5 A bottom view of a subset of the components of component 100. (e.g.) Figure 7 As shown, the link member selector 120 has been rotated to the position corresponding to the fifth link member 138. In this case, the locking teeth 176, 178 are configured based on the fifth link member 138 from the third position along the second axis 116 to the fourth position along the second axis 116 (e.g., Figure 7 The locking teeth 176 and 178 are interlocked based on the linear movement of the fifth link member 138 from the fourth position along the second axis 116 to the third position along the second axis 116.

[0042] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 5 A bottom view of a subset of the components of component 100. (e.g.) Figure 8As shown, the link member selector 120 has been rotated to the position corresponding to the seventh link member 142. In this case, the locking teeth 190 extending from 144 are configured to move from the third position along the third axis 132 to the fourth position along the third axis 132 based on the seventh link member 142 (as shown). Figure 8 The linear movement of the seventh link member 142 (as shown) interlocks with the locking teeth 188 extending from the seventh link member 142. In this case, the locking teeth 188, 190 are configured to disengage based on the linear movement of the seventh link member 142 from a fourth position along the third axis 132 to a third position along the third axis 132.

[0043] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 5 A bottom view of a subset of the components of component 100. (e.g.) Figure 9 As shown, the link member selector 120 has been rotated to a position corresponding to the first link member 114 and the fifth link member 138. In this case, the locking tooth 172 extending from the second link member 118 is configured to interlock or disengage with the locking tooth 170 extending from the first gear 168, as described above. Furthermore, in this case, the locking tooth 178 extending from the sixth link member 140 is configured to interlock or disengage with the locking tooth 176 extending from the third gear 174, as described above.

[0044] Figure 10 An exemplary pinion subassembly 1000 is shown. The pinion subassembly 1000 includes a linking member 1002, a spring 1004, a gear 1006, and a retaining element 1010. The gear 1006 includes locking teeth 1008. The linking member 1002 is configured to receive the spring 1004, the gear 1006, and the retaining element 1010. The retaining element 1010 is configured to retain the spring 1004 and the gear 1006 to prevent them from advancing along the linking member 1002 beyond a given position.

[0045] In one example, the linking members 114, 130, 138, and 142, as described above, include all the components of the pinion subassembly 1000. In this example, the linking member 1002 operates in a manner similar to that described with respect to linking members 114, 130, 138, and 142. Continuing with this example, gear 1006 and locking tooth 1008 also operate in a manner similar to that of the first gear 168 and locking tooth 170, the second gear 180 and locking tooth 182, the third gear 174 and locking tooth 176, and the fourth gear 186 and locking tooth 188, respectively. Furthermore, in this example, spring 1004 is configured based on protrusions (e.g., Figure 3 One of the protrusions 128, 129, 135, 136, 137, and 139) is applied to the link member 1002 (e.g., Figure 1 The force on the linking member (one of the linking members 114, 130, 138, 142) and the compression based on the rotational position of the locking tooth 1008 relative to the locking tooth of the other linking member.

[0046] In one case, refer to Figure 5 If the tips of locking teeth 170 and 172 are in a given rotational position along the second axis 116 when the first link member 114 moves linearly along the first axis 116 toward the second link member 118, then it is possible that locking teeth 170 and 172 will not be able to interlock with each other, as... Figure 5 As shown. Furthermore, it is also possible that, based on the tips of locking teeth 170 and 172 to prevent interlocking of locking teeth 170 and 172, the link member selector 120 may also be temporarily stuck in this position. To overcome this situation, refer back to the reference. Figure 10 When the tip of the locking tooth 1008 encounters the tip of the locking tooth of another linking member at a rotational position that prevents the locking tooth 1008 from interlocking with the locking tooth of another linking member, the spring 1004 is compressed as the linking member 1002 moves along the linear axis toward the other linking member. In this case, as the turntable 104 and the drive gear 108 rotate, the locking tooth 1008 (e.g., Figure 5 The locking tooth 1008 will rotate just enough around the axis that the tip of the locking tooth 1008 will no longer be in direct contact with the tip of the locking tooth corresponding to the other linking member. Continuing in this manner, based on the rotational movement of the linking member 1002, the mechanical energy stored in the spring 1004 will be released, thereby causing the linking member 1002 (e.g., Figure 5 The linking member 114) is further moved along the linear axis to a given position, which causes the locking tooth 1008 (e.g., Figure 5 The locking tooth 170) can be engaged with another linking member (e.g., Figure 5 The locking teeth of the link member 118 (e.g., Figure 5 The locking teeth 172) are interlocked.

[0047] Figure 11 An exemplary surgical retractor 200 is shown. The surgical retractor 200 includes... Figure 1 Component 100, right arm component 202, and left arm component 204. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the right arm assembly 202 includes a channel 206. Channel 206 is configured to receive connections to... Figure 1 The nut 160 has a pin 208. The right arm assembly 202 includes a hole for receiving a pin 210, which is coupled to... Figure 1 Nut 166. Left arm assembly 204 includes channel 212. Channel 212 is configured to receive coupling to Figure 1The nut 164 and pin 214. The left arm assembly 204 includes a pin for also receiving a coupling to. Figure 1 Nut 166, pin 210, hole.

[0048] In one example, as described above, based on the position of the link member selector 120 corresponding to the first link member 114 (not shown) and the rotation of the turntable 104, the nut 160 is configured to move away from or toward the body 102 about the second axis 116. In this example, in addition to the right arm assembly 202 being configured to pivot about the pin 210, the right arm assembly 202 is also configured to move away from or toward the body 102 based on the force applied to the right arm assembly 202 by the pin 208.

[0049] In one example, as described above, based on the position of the link member selector 120 corresponding to the seventh link member 142 (not shown) and the rotation of the turntable 104, the nut 166 is configured to move away from or toward the body 102 about the third axis 132. In this example, the right arm assembly 202 and the left arm assembly 204 are configured to move away from or toward the body 102 based on the force applied to the right arm assembly 202 and the left arm assembly 204 by the pin 210.

[0050] In one example, as described above, based on the position of the link member selector 120 corresponding to the fifth link member 138 (not shown) and the rotation of the turntable 104, the nut 164 is configured to move away from or toward the body 102 along the second axis 116. In this example, in addition to being configured to pivot about the pin 210, the left arm assembly 204 is also configured to move away from or toward the body 102 based on the force applied to the left arm assembly 204 by the pin 214.

[0051] In one example, as described above, based on the positions of the link member selector 120 corresponding to the first link member 114 and the fifth link member 138 (not shown) and the rotation of the turntable 104, nuts 160 and 164 are configured to move away from or toward the body 102 along the second axis 116. In this example, the right arm assembly 202 and the left arm assembly 204 are configured to move away from or toward the body 102 based on the force applied to the right arm assembly 202 by pin 208 and the force applied to the left arm assembly 204 by pin 214, with the right arm assembly 202 configured to pivot about pin 210 and the left arm assembly 204 configured to pivot about pin 210.

[0052] In one example, the right arm assembly 202, left arm assembly 204, and central arm 162 are each configured to receive a retractor blade for use during surgical procedures. As an example, the retractor blade can be made of any material suitable for introduction into the body that will ensure rigidity during tissue retraction, including but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and / or transparent polycarbonate. The retractor blade may optionally be coated with a carbon fiber reinforced coating to increase strength and durability. The blade may optionally be made of partially or entirely of a radiation-permeable material (e.g., aluminum, PEEK, carbon fiber, and titanium) to improve the surgeon's visibility during imaging (e.g., radiography, MRI, CT, fluorescein, etc.). The retractor blade may also be made of a material that will be destroyed upon autoclaving (such as a polymer containing a portion of glass particles), which may be advantageous in preventing unauthorized reuse of the blade (which would be provided to the user in a sterile state). The retractor blade can be set in any number of suitable lengths, depending on the anatomical environment and surgical method, for example (by way of example only) in the range of 20 mm to 150 mm. Based on this size range Figure 1 Component 100 is extremely versatile and can be used in any of a variety of desired surgical methods, including but not limited to lateral, posterior, posterior-lateral, anterior, and anterior-lateral, by simply selecting retractor blades of the desired size and attaching them to the surgical retractor 200.

[0053] In one example, the retractor blade may be equipped with various additional features or components. By way of example only, one or more of the retractor blades may be equipped with a retractor extender, such as a wide retractor extender or a narrow retractor extender. The retractor extender extends from the retractor blade to form a protective barrier to prevent instruments or biological structures (e.g., nerves, vascular systems, organs, etc.) from entering or leaving the operating channel. Depending on the anatomical setup and surgical approach, one or more of the retractor blades may be equipped with a shim element. In one example, the shim element has a distal conical region that can be advanced into tissue (e.g., bone, soft tissue, etc.) to anchor the retractor blade and / or advanced into the intervertebral disc space to disperse adjacent vertebral bodies (thus restoring disc height). In a similar manner to the retractor extender, the shim element also forms a protective barrier to prevent instruments or biological structures (e.g., nerves, vascular systems, etc.) from entering or leaving the operating channel.

[0054] In one example, the retractor extender and / or pad element can be made of any material suitable for use in the human body, including but not limited to biocompatible plastics and / or metals, preferably materials that are partially or fully radiopaque in nature (such as aluminum, PEEK, carbon fiber, and titanium). Construction made of plastic or thin metal provides the additional benefit of allowing the pad and / or retractor extender to collapse into a compressed or low-profile configuration at the skin level when the element is inserted, and then expand once it is below the skin level and within the operating channel. In another example, the retractor extender may have a symmetrical narrow configuration and / or a wide configuration and / or an asymmetrical configuration of narrow and wide elements. For example, any or all of the retractor extenders may be provided with lateral segments, narrow configurations, and / or lateral sections. The retractor extender and / or gasket element may be made of a material that will break down during autoclaving (such as a polymer containing a portion of glass particles), which may be advantageous in preventing unauthorized reuse of the retractor extender and / or gasket element (which will be provided to the user in a sterile state). Slits may also be provided on the gasket to improve flexibility. The retractor extender and / or gasket element may have a parabolic concave curvature.

[0055] In one example, each of the retractor extender and / or shim element may be equipped with a mechanism for selectively and releasably engaging with a corresponding retractor blade. This can be achieved, by way of example only, by configuring the retractor extender and / or shim element to have a tab element capable of engaging with a corresponding ratchet-like groove along the inner surface of the retractor blade. Each of the retractor extender and / or shim element is provided with a pair of engagement elements, which, by way of example only, have a generally dovetail-shaped cross-section. The engagement elements are dimensioned to engage with a receiving portion on the corresponding retractor blade. In a preferred embodiment, each of the retractor extender and / or shim element may be provided with an elongated slot for engaging with an insertion tool. Each tab element is also equipped with an enlarged tooth element that engages within a corresponding groove provided along the inner surface of the retractor blade. On the wide retractor extender, each extender includes a central portion with a pair of lateral portions on either side of the central portion, which effectively increases the width of the retractor blade.

[0056] In another example, any or all of the retractor blade, retractor extender, and / or pad element may be provided with one or more electrodes (preferably located in or near their distal region) for use with a neural monitoring system, such as those shown and described, for example, in International Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US02 / 30617 filed September 25, 2002, International Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US2008 / 004427 filed April 3, 2008 (“Neurophysiological Monitoring Patent”), the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Such a neural monitoring system detects the presence of a nerve by applying stimulation signals to the electrodes and monitoring evoked EMG signals from sarcomeres associated with nerves near the retractor blade, thereby enabling the detection of the presence (and optionally distance and / or orientation) of neural structures during tissue retraction. In doing so, the system as a whole (including the surgical retractor 200) can be used to create a surgical passage through any tissue (or vicinity of it) in a variety of tissues with such neural structures (especially those neural structures that would otherwise cause nerve damage to the patient if contacted or struck). In this way, the access system of the surgical retractor 200 can be used to traverse tissues that are generally considered unsafe or undesirable, thereby expanding the number of ways to access a given surgical target site.

[0057] Any feature or attribute of the above embodiments and variations may be used in combination with any other feature and attribute of the above embodiments and variations as desired. Various modifications, additions, and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit. The embodiments presented herein were chosen and described to provide an illustration of the various principles of the invention and their practical application, enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefits fairly, legally, and justly enjoyed by the claims.

Claims

1. An assembly for a surgical instrument, the assembly comprising: Turntable; A shaft, which is connected to the turntable; A drive gear coupled to the shaft, wherein the drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis based on the movement of the turntable; A first linking member is positioned along a second axis and configured to rotate along the second axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. A second linking member is positioned along the second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on the rotation of the drive gear and the connection between the first linking member and the second linking member; Link component selector, the link component selector being configured to rotate about the first axis, the link component selector comprising: A handle for rotating the link member selector and selecting at least one position corresponding to the first link member; as well as A cylindrical body integrally formed with the handle, wherein the cylindrical body includes: (i) a hole along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body; and (ii) at least one protrusion configured to apply a force to the first linking member based on selection of a position corresponding to the first linking member via the handle, wherein the force on the first linking member causes the connection between the first linking member and the second linking member, wherein the hole is configured to receive the shaft. The first linking member includes a pinion subassembly, which includes a subassembly linking member, a spring, a gear with locking teeth, and a retaining element. The subassembly linking member is configured to receive the spring, the gear, and the retaining element. The retaining element is configured to retain the spring and the gear. The spring is configured to compress based on a force applied to the subassembly linking member by the protrusion and based on the rotational position of the locking teeth relative to the locking teeth of the second linking member.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The connection between the first link member and the second link member is based on a linear movement of the first link member from a first position along the second axis to a second position along the second axis.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion configured to apply force to the first link member based on selection of the position corresponding to the first link member via the handle, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a second protrusion, and wherein the component further includes: A third linking member is positioned along a third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation, wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis; A fourth linking member, positioned along the third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on rotation of the drive gear and engagement between the third and fourth linking members, wherein the at least one position corresponding to the first linking member includes a first position corresponding to the first linking member and a second position corresponding to the third linking member, wherein the second protrusion is configured to apply a force on the third linking member based on selection of the second position via the handle, wherein the force on the third linking member causes engagement between the third and fourth linking members.

4. The component according to claim 3, wherein, The connection between the third link member and the fourth link member is based on a linear movement of the third link member from a first position along the third axis to a second position along the third axis.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The component also includes: A fifth linking member, positioned along the second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation; A sixth linking member, positioned along the second axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on rotation of the drive gear and engagement between the fifth and sixth linking members, wherein the at least one position corresponding to the first linking member includes a first position corresponding to the first linking member, a second position corresponding to the third linking member, and a third position corresponding to the fifth linking member, wherein the first protrusion is configured to apply a force on the fifth linking member based on selection of the third position via the handle, wherein the force on the fifth linking member causes engagement between the fifth and sixth linking members.

6. The component according to claim 5, wherein, The connection between the fifth link member and the sixth link member is based on a linear movement of the fifth link member from a third position along the second axis to a fourth position along the second axis.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein, The component also includes: A seventh linking member, which is positioned along the third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on contact with the drive gear when the drive gear rotates; An eighth linking member, positioned along the third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on rotation of the drive gear and engagement between the seventh linking member and the eighth linking member, wherein the at least one position corresponding to the first linking member includes a first position corresponding to the first linking member, a second position corresponding to the third linking member, a third position corresponding to the fifth linking member, and a fourth position corresponding to the seventh linking member, wherein the second protrusion is configured to apply a force on the seventh linking member based on selection of the fourth position via the handle, wherein the force on the seventh linking member causes engagement between the seventh linking member and the eighth linking member.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The connection between the seventh link member and the eighth link member is based on a linear movement of the seventh link member from a third position along the third axis to a fourth position along the third axis.

9. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The component also includes: A column, configured to attach the component to an external arm, wherein the column is positioned along a fourth axis that is parallel to and offset from the first axis.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein, The component also includes: The locking teeth are fixed to the component at the first end of the post.

11. An assembly for a surgical instrument, the assembly comprising: Turntable; A shaft, which is connected to the turntable; A drive gear coupled to the shaft, wherein the drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis based on the movement of the turntable; Multiple linking components, the multiple linking components including: A first linking member is positioned along a second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. A second linking member is positioned along the second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on the rotation of the drive gear and the connection between the first linking member and the second linking member; A third linking member, positioned along a third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on contact with the drive gear during rotation, wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis; and A fourth linking member, positioned along the third axis and configured to rotate about the third axis based on the rotation of the drive gear and the connection between the third linking member and the fourth linking member; A link component selector configured to rotate about the first axis, the link component selector comprising: A handle for rotating the link member selector and selecting one of a plurality of positions corresponding to the plurality of link members; and A cylindrical body integrally formed with the handle, wherein the cylindrical body includes: (i) a hole along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body; and (ii) at least one protrusion configured to apply force to at least one of the plurality of linking members based on selection of a position corresponding to the first linking member and the third linking member via the handle, wherein the hole is configured to receive the shaft. The first linking member includes a pinion subassembly, which includes a subassembly linking member, a spring, a gear with locking teeth, and a retaining element. The subassembly linking member is configured to receive the spring, the gear, and the retaining element. The retaining element is configured to retain the spring and the gear. The spring is configured to compress based on a force applied to the subassembly linking member by the protrusion and based on the rotational position of the locking teeth relative to the locking teeth of the second linking member.

12. The component of claim 11, wherein, The force applied by the at least one protrusion causes the connection between the first linking member and the second linking member based on the selection of a first position among the plurality of positions via the handle.

13. The component of claim 11, wherein, The force applied by the at least one protrusion causes the connection between the third link member and the fourth link member based on the selection of a second position among the plurality of positions via the handle.

14. The component of claim 11, wherein, The first link component includes: A first gear, positioned along the second axis and configured to rotate based on contact with the drive gear during rotation; and A first locking element associated with the first gear.

15. The component of claim 14, wherein, The second link component includes: A second locking element is configured to interlock or disengage from the first locking element, wherein the second locking element is configured to interlock with the first locking element based on linear movement of the first linking member from a first position along the second axis to a second position along the second axis, wherein the second locking element is configured to disengage from the first locking element based on linear movement of the first linking member from the second position along the second axis to the first position along the second axis.

16. The component of claim 15, wherein, The component also includes: A first spring, the first spring being inserted between the first connecting member and the second connecting member; and A second spring is inserted between the third and fourth connecting members.

17. The component of claim 11, wherein, The component also includes: A column, configured to attach the component to an external arm, wherein the column is positioned along a fourth axis that is parallel to and offset from the first axis.

18. The component of claim 17, wherein, The component also includes: A locking element is fixed to the assembly at the first end of the column.

19. The component of claim 11, wherein, The second linking member includes a guide screw configured to convert rotational movement into linear movement based on the rotation of the drive gear and the connection between the first linking member and the second linking member.

20. The component of claim 19, wherein, The fourth linking member includes a guide screw configured to convert rotational movement into linear movement based on the rotation of the drive gear and the connection between the third linking member and the fourth linking member.

Images