Adjustable-Friction Ball Socket Joint for Surgical Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
During arthroscopic surgery, surgeons face challenges in managing multiple tools such as light sources, arthroscopes, and surgical tools simultaneously, requiring a third hand or assistant to hold and reposition them, which limits the assistant's ability to perform other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with an adjustable-friction ball and socket joint that provides three degrees of rotational freedom, allowing surgeons to orient and lock surgical tools like camera heads in place without an assistant, using a docking station and a locking mechanism to maintain the tool's position with a lower threshold friction force that prevents slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a surgical tool is held manually by an assistant, then the tool can be positioned and repositioned, but the assistant is limited from performing other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device enables self-service by incorporating a friction-based holding mechanism that automatically maintains tool position without requiring continuous manual intervention. The adjustable friction mechanism allows the tool to be positioned and then held securely in place, freeing the assistant to perform other tasks while the surgical tool remains stable and repositionable when needed.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to hold the surgical tool in position, then the tool position is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device utilizes parameter changes by adjusting friction levels through a simple mechanism. Instead of complex locking systems with multiple components, the invention changes the friction parameter between the holding surface and the tool interface. This allows reliable position maintenance through a single adjustable parameter (friction) rather than multiple mechanical locking components, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity.
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
Enables hands-free operation for surgeons by securely holding and repositioning surgical tools, allowing for precise orientation and maintaining the tool's position without the need for an assistant, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing workload.
Implementation Method 1
A friction-inducing member applies a friction force on the ball outer surface that is sufficient to prevent the surgical tool from slipping or moving from the target position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool positioning device for positioning and holding a surgical tool is disclosed. The device includes an adjustable-friction ball and socket joint configured to provide three degrees of rotational freedom. A variable holding force may be applied to the ball via a locking member to selectively lock and unlock the adjustable-friction ball and socket joint. The socket includes a friction-inducing member housed therein and in contact with the ball. When the ball and socket joint is unlocked, this friction-inducing member provides sufficient frictional force to hold a position of the surgical tool. However, this frictional force may be overcome with intentional external forces such as during repositioning of the surgical tool.