Ball-and-Socket Mount With Extendable Arms for High-Torque Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting apparatuses for instrumentation lack enhanced mechanical functionality and adjustability, particularly in applications requiring precise positioning and high torque, such as minimally invasive surgical procedures, where reliable and adjustable mounts are not prevalent.
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 them, providing a mechanical advantage for adjusting and securing instrumentation with reduced input force through an increased radius of contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional mounting apparatuses are used, then the device structure is simple, but the torque and mechanical advantage are insufficient for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The moment arms are designed to be extendable rather than fixed, allowing the apparatus to adapt its mechanical advantage dynamically. When high torque is needed, the moment arms extend to increase the lever arm length; when compactness is needed, they retract. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between achieving high torque and maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The moment arms are nested within the socket structure when retracted, creating a compact configuration. When extended, they provide the necessary leverage for torque enhancement. This nesting principle allows the device to maintain simplicity in its stowed state while providing enhanced functionality when needed, effectively resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and torque capability.
2Ease of operation
If fixed positioning is used, then the mounting is stable, but the adjustability and ease of repositioning are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ball and socket joint provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the mounted instrument to be adjusted to various angles and positions. Once positioned, the friction and geometric constraints of the spherical interface maintain stability. This dynamic-static transition resolves the contradiction between ease of adjustment and mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a spherical ball interface allows for multi-directional adjustment while maintaining stable contact. The curved surface enables smooth rotation and positioning in multiple degrees of freedom, yet when settled into a position, the spherical geometry provides inherent stability through point contact and friction, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger access incisions are made, then more equipment can be passed through, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate various surgical instruments and equipment through its socket interface. The standardized socket design allows different instruments to be mounted without requiring different access incisions, thus maintaining versatility while minimizing patient trauma through smaller, standardized incision sizes.
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 secure and adjustable mounting of instrumentation with reduced operator effort, allowing for precise positioning and increased torque, thereby improving the stability and usability of surgical equipment 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
Implementation Method 2
A torque-enhancing apparatus featuring a first socket and a second socket coupled with extendable moment arms and a ball pivotably held between them, providing a mechanical advantage for adjusting and securing instrumentation with reduced input force through an increased radius of contact
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.