Actuator Mechanism with Variable Biasing Member for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical professionals experience discomfort and fatigue in the hand, wrist, and fingers due to the high forces required to actuate medical devices, leading to issues similar to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Innovation Solution
A medical device handle with an actuator mechanism that includes a rotatable disk, a biasing member, and control members, which reduces the force required to actuate the device by altering the length and tension of the biasing member as the disk rotates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional actuator mechanism is used in the medical device handle, then the device can perform its medical function, but the operator experiences high force requirements leading to hand, wrist, and finger discomfort and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is configured to dynamically change its length and mechanical properties during actuation. As the disk rotates from the first position to the second position, the biasing member transitions from a first length to a second length, providing variable force assistance throughout the actuation range. This dynamic adaptation reduces the peak force required by the operator while maintaining effective actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the biasing member during operation. The biasing member's length changes from a first length to a second length as the actuator operates, which alters its mechanical characteristics and force output. This parameter change enables the actuator to provide optimal force assistance at different points in the actuation cycle, reducing overall operator effort.
2Productivity
If the actuator requires large activation force, then the medical device can be actuated, but the procedure is prolonged due to repeated hand adjustments and breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides self-service by automatically generating the assisting force needed for actuation. As the disk rotates and the biasing member changes length, it autonomously provides the mechanical advantage needed to reduce operator effort. This eliminates the need for the operator to consciously adjust grip position or take breaks to recover from fatigue, allowing continuous efficient operation throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If a biasing member with variable length is used to reduce actuation force, then operator fatigue is reduced, but the actuator mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The disk serves multiple functions: it is the primary actuation element that rotates to control the medical device, and it also serves as the mounting structure for the biasing member that provides force assistance. The biasing member is integrated into the existing actuator architecture rather than being a separate addition, allowing the same rotational motion to both actuate the device and drive the biasing member's length change.
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
The actuator mechanism reduces the force needed to actuate the medical device, thereby decreasing operator fatigue and discomfort, and allowing for smoother and more efficient operation during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, e.g., the disk being rotatable between a first position and a second position. A proximal end of the biasing member may be coupled to the disk and a distal end of the biasing member may be coupled to the housing. According to some aspects, in the first position of the disk, the biasing member has a first length and exerts a first distal force on the disk and/or in the second position of the disk, the biasing member has a second length different from the first length and exerts a second force distal on the actuator less than the first distal force.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and related methods are discussed, including a medical device that includes a handle with a housing and an actuator mechanism disposed within the housing. The actuator mechanism may include a biasing member and a disk rotatable between a first position and a second position, e.g., the biasing member having a first length and exerting a first distal force on the disk in the first position, and having a second length different from the first length and exerting a second distal force on the disk less than the first distal force in the second position.