Custom Surgical Instrument Design via User Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments are designed with a 'one size fits all' approach, failing to accommodate variations in user morphology and functional capabilities, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and reduced accuracy due to poor ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
Customized surgical instruments are manufactured based on quantitative user assessments, including anthropometric data, force measurements, and user preferences, using a system that generates a custom design for handle size, geometry, durometer, and sensor integration, and produces the instrument through 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one size fits all approach is used for instrument handles, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ergonomics and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by customizing multiple parameters of the instrument handle including size, geometry, durometer, mechanical assist, texture, color, markings, modulus of elasticity, balance, finish, and weight based on quantitative user assessment data. This allows each handle to be optimized for individual user characteristics while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through automated design generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by conducting a quantitative user assessment before instrument manufacturing to collect anthropometric data, force measurements, and user preferences. This pre-assessment data is then used to generate customized handle designs that are optimized for each user's specific needs before production begins.
2Ease of operation
If customized instruments are manufactured for each user, then ergonomics and user comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality through a modular handle design that can be customized across multiple parameters while using standardized components and manufacturing processes. The system generates customized designs within a framework of universal manufacturing capabilities, allowing individualization without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages manufacturing complexity by automating the generation of customized designs based on user assessment data. The computer system automatically determines optimal parameters for size, geometry, durometer, and other characteristics, eliminating the need for manual design customization and streamlining the manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If instrument handles are designed for average user, then production efficiency is maintained, but user-specific functional capabilities are not accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quantitative user assessment to collect data on anthropometry, force measurements, and user preferences before instrument production. This pre-collected data enables automated generation of customized designs that accommodate user-specific capabilities while maintaining efficient production through standardized processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically generating customized instrument designs based on user assessment data without requiring manual intervention for each customization. The computer system autonomously determines optimal parameters and generates manufacturing instructions, maintaining production efficiency while achieving user-specific adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed in which customized instruments, e.g., surgical instruments, can be manufactured to provide improved ergonomics, comfort, and accuracy. Instruments can be customized based on various parameters, including a quantitative assessment of the user, desired or intended use of the instrument, user preferences, and so forth. Exemplary instrument properties which can be customized include size, geometry, durometer, mechanical assist, texture, color, markings, modulus of elasticity, sensor inclusion, sensor type, sensor feedback type, balance, finish, and weight.