Collet-Locking Surgical Tool Handle for Play-Free Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handles for surgical tools like osteotomes lack secure gripping, resulting in wobbling and reduced control during surgical procedures due to play between the tool and the handle.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a locking mechanism comprising a locking ring, collet, and compressible locking pin, which securely engages the surgical tool through a tapered receiving cavity, using a deformable collet and compressible locking pin made from materials like nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene, to provide a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional handle is used for surgical tools, then the handle structure is simple, but the surgical tool has play relative to the handle resulting in wobbling and reduced control
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a handle body, a locking mechanism with locking ring and locking pin, and a collet system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing secure tool retention without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable elements including the locking ring that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, and the collet that dynamically adjusts to grip the surgical tool. This dynamic capability enables secure retention while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is added to eliminate play, then control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring, locking pin, and collet are integrated into a unified locking mechanism system where components work together synergistically. The locking ring rotates to engage the locking pin, which simultaneously actuates the collet to grip the tool, combining multiple functions into a coordinated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the rotation of the locking ring, which automatically engages the locking pin and activates the collet without requiring separate control mechanisms. The system serves itself through the inherent mechanical interaction of its components.
3Manufacturing precision
If a secure grip is achieved through a locking mechanism, then surgical precision is enhanced, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is pre-positioned within the handle body to receive the surgical tool shaft. When the locking ring is rotated, the locking pin automatically engages with the collet, which has already been positioned to grip the tool. This preliminary positioning simplifies the overall operation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-step locking procedure, the design inverts the approach by using a simple rotational motion of the locking ring that simultaneously engages multiple locking elements. The ease of rotation compensates for the multiple functions performed, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving secure retention.
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 handle assembly eliminates play between the tool and the handle, enhancing user control and precision during surgical procedures by firmly locking the surgical tool in place.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible locking pin engageable with the locking ring and collet
Implementation Method 2
The compressible locking pin includes at least one of nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyetherimide, or glass
Implementation Method 3
the collet is mounted within the handle and includes a flexible portion moveable between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 4
The locking mechanism includes a cam for camming against the locking pin
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly is disclosed for firmly holding a surgical tool. The handle assembly comprises a handle and a locking mechanism attached to the handle. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring, a collet, and a compressible locking pin engageable with the locking ring and collet. The locking ring is moveable between first and second positions relative to the handle. The first position is an unlocked position whereby the locking pin is in a decompressed state relative to the locking ring and the collet. In the first position, a surgical tool may be inserted and withdrawn from the collet of the locking mechanism. The second position is a locked position whereby the locking pin is in a compressed state relative to the locking ring and the collet. In the second position, a surgical tool is anchored in the collet of the locking mechanism.