Ball-and-Socket Mount With Extendable Arms for Torque Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting apparatuses for instrumentation lack enhanced torque and adjustability, making it cumbersome to handle and configure multiple devices simultaneously, especially in minimally invasive surgical procedures where smaller access incisions are preferred.
Innovation Solution
A torque enhancing apparatus featuring a first socket and a second socket coupled with extendable moment arms and a ball pivotably held between the sockets, providing a mechanical advantage for adjusting and securing instrumentation with reduced input force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting apparatuses are used to hold instrumentation, then the devices can be secured in position, but the apparatus lacks sufficient torque and adjustability, making it cumbersome to handle and configure multiple devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus incorporates extendable moment arms that can be dynamically adjusted in length to change the mechanical advantage ratio. This allows the device to adapt between providing high torque for tightening operations and maintaining precision for positioning, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and device complexity by making the mechanical properties variable rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the physical parameter of moment arm length to alter the mechanical advantage. By extending or retracting the moment arms, the system adjusts the torque multiplication factor, enabling the same device to perform both coarse adjustment and fine positioning tasks without requiring multiple different mounting apparatuses
2Object-affected harmful factors
If smaller access incisions are used in minimally invasive surgical procedures, then patient trauma is minimized and recovery time is reduced, but it becomes more difficult to manipulate and position instrumentation through the limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable moment arms act as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the surgeon's input force. By providing a longer lever arm, the apparatus mediates between the limited manual force available through small incisions and the higher torque required to manipulate instrumentation, enabling effective control without requiring larger access points
3Productivity
If additional assistants are used to manipulate and hold viewing scopes, then the surgeon can focus on the procedure, but the complexity of the surgical team coordination increases and additional personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus with adjustable moment arms enables self-adjustment capabilities, allowing the instrumentation to be positioned and secured without requiring additional assistants. The mechanical advantage provided by the extendable arms allows a single operator to perform tasks that previously required multiple people, thereby improving productivity while reducing team 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
The apparatus enables improved torque and adjustability, allowing for easier and more precise positioning of instrumentation, reducing the need for additional assistants and minimizing trauma during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The extendable moment arms are configured such that they provide a mechanical advantage for moving the first socket and the second socket relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
The torque enhancing apparatus including a first socket and a second socket coupled to the first socket, including an extendable moment arm. The torque enhancing apparatus includes a ball pivotably and captively held between the first socket and the second socket. The torque enhancing apparatus may include one or more extendable moment arms. The extendable moment arm or arms are configured such that they provide a mechanical advantage for moving the first socket and the second socket relative to one another. The torque enhancing apparatus may include a first socket, a second socket coupled to the first socket including four extendable moment arms. The torque enhancing apparatus including a ball pivotably held between the first socket and the second socket.