Dial-Driven Transmission Assembly for Selective Retractor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical access systems require multiple inputs to actuate components in multiple directions or shift the anchor point of the retractor, making it difficult to create a reproducible and customized exposure to the target surgical site efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A dial-driven assembly with a drive gear and linking members that rotate along perpendicular axes, allowing for a linking member selector to couple and decouple components via a handle, enabling precise control over the retractor's position and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inputs are used to actuate components in multiple directions, then the retractor can achieve complex positioning and movement, but the system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single integrated dial mechanism. The dial simultaneously controls the drive gear, which in turn actuates multiple linking members through a unified mechanical connection system, reducing the number of independent controls from multiple separate inputs to one cohesive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive gear serves multiple functions within the system: it converts rotational motion from the dial into linear motion for the linking members, enables repositioning of the retractor anchor point, and controls actuation in multiple directions. This multi-functional component reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatile positioning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inputs are used to actuate components, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the time required to create customized exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linking members are pre-configured with selective coupling mechanisms that allow them to be engaged or disengaged from the drive gear through the rotation of the dial. This preliminary arrangement of mechanical components enables rapid switching between different actuation modes without requiring time-consuming manual assembly or reconfiguration during the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If a linking member selector with multiple positions is implemented, then selective coupling of linking members is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linking member selector acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's rotational input and the coupling state of the linking members. The selector's multiple positions correspond to different coupling configurations, and it mediates the transition between these states through a simple rotational motion, translating complex coupling requirements into an intuitive dial-based control interface.
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
Facilitates faster and less complicated creation of a customized exposure to the surgical site, enhancing surgical precision and reducing the complexity of minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a drive gear coupled to the shaft. The drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis based on movement of the dial
Implementation Method 2
a first linking member located along a second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact with the drive gear as the drive gear is rotated. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly comprising a drive gear coupled to a shaft and a dial. The drive gear is configured to rotate along a first axis based on movement of the dial. The assembly includes a first linking member located along a second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on contact with the drive gear as the drive gear is rotated. The assembly includes a second linking member located along the second axis and configured to rotate about the second axis based on rotation of the drive gear and a coupling between the first linking member and the second linking member. The assembly includes a linking member selector configured to rotate about the first axis and for selecting at least a position corresponding to the first linking member that causes the coupling between the first linking member and the second linking member.