Centrifugal Tool Locking for Fast Surgical Handpiece Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments require multiple steps and manual turning to couple and decouple tools from handpieces, which can be cumbersome and divert attention from the surgical procedure.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic locking device that allows tools to be coupled and decoupled from a handpiece by simple linear sliding, eliminating the need for a collet and reducing the steps required for locking and unlocking, utilizing a conical interface and flexible expansion tabs to secure the tool during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism with turning steps is used, then the tool can be securely locked to the handpiece, but the coupling and decoupling process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static multi-step turning process to a dynamic single-step linear motion process. The spring-loaded collet automatically adjusts its gripping force as the tool is inserted linearly, providing secure locking without requiring manual rotation or multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded collet automatically engages and disengages the tool through its elastic deformation. When the tool is inserted linearly, the spring forces the collet to contract and grip the tool; when pulled, the spring allows the collet to expand and release the tool, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the locking/unlocking sequence.
2Reliability
If a collet mechanism is used for tool retention, then the tool can be securely held during rotation, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and turning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state of the collet from rigid to elastic by introducing a spring mechanism. This allows the collet to dynamically adjust its internal diameter and gripping force based on the insertion force applied by the user, providing reliable tool retention without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is separated from the insertion motion. Instead of requiring coupled rotational and linear movements, the design segments the process so that linear insertion alone activates the spring-loaded collet, which independently performs the locking function through its elastic properties.
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
Streamlines the process of attaching and detaching tools from handpieces, reducing the complexity and time required for surgeons, allowing for efficient tool changes without the need for manual rotation, thus improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased collet positioned within the driver such that the spring applies a biasing force to the collet in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the first and second flexible expansion tabs expand outward from the longitudinal axis A in response to rotation of the tool about the longitudinal axis A
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A surgical instrument (10) including a tool (14), a handpiece (12), and a locking member (70a). The handpiece includes both a coupling member (130) configured to cooperate with the tool, and a driver (102) for rotating the tool. The locking member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to centrifugal force generated during rotation of the locking member. The locking member is configured to secure the tool to the handpiece when in the locked position. The locking member can include flexible expansion tabs, f. ex. first and second (86a, 88a) flexible expansion tabs, or first, second and third (86b, 88b, 94b) flexible expansion tabs. The locking member can include a slot (90a) extending along the entire length of the locking member for snap-fit coupling to the tool.