Ergonomic Handpiece with Rotating Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phacoemulsification handpieces cause fatigue in surgeons due to the orientation and weight of ports/connector points at the proximal end, requiring the entire handpiece to be moved or rotated for tip adjustment, leading to discomfort during surgery.
Innovation Solution
The handpiece is designed with moveable segments and a tubing/cord management system that allows independent rotation of segments, positioning ports and connectors ergonomically to reduce strain, featuring a swivel connector and adjustable geometry for comfortable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handpiece is designed with fixed segments and ports at the proximal end, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the surgeon experiences fatigue and discomfort due to weight distribution and lack of adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is divided into multiple segments (first segment with proximal end containing ports, second segment with distal end containing tip) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the surgeon to adjust the orientation of the tip while keeping the heavy ports in a fixed, ergonomic position, thereby reducing fatigue without requiring complete redesign of the entire handpiece structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece incorporates rotational capability between segments, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. The second segment can rotate relative to the first segment, allowing real-time adjustment of the tip orientation during surgery. This dynamic feature improves ease of operation by enabling adaptability to different surgical angles without increasing overall structural complexity significantly.
2Ease of operation
If the entire handpiece must be rotated to adjust the tip orientation, then the structure remains simple, but the surgeon experiences wrist strain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the handpiece into rotatable segments, the rotational movement is localized to only the distal segment rather than requiring rotation of the entire handpiece. This allows tip orientation adjustment without moving the proximal portion containing the ports and heavy components, thereby eliminating wrist strain while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational degree of freedom is extracted from the entire handpiece and applied only to the distal segment. This extraction allows the tip to be reoriented independently of the proximal ports, enabling easy adjustment without transferring the burden of rotation to the surgeon's wrist, thus removing the harmful effect of wrist strain.
3Ease of manufacture
If ports and connectors are positioned at the proximal end, then the handpiece structure is straightforward, but the weight distribution causes fatigue during prolonged surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is segmented into a proximal first segment containing the ports and a distal second segment containing the tip. This segmentation allows the heavy ports to be concentrated in the proximal portion while the distal tip remains lightweight and rotatable. The separation of functional components enables optimized weight distribution that reduces fatigue during prolonged surgery while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
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
This design reduces surgeon fatigue by allowing independent rotation of segments, managing cords ergonomically, and providing a comfortable grip, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing hand and wrist strain.
Implementation Method 1
The needle 210 is ultrasonically vibrated by applying electric power to the piezoelectric crystals 280, which in turn, cause the horn 250 to ultrasonically vibrate, which in turn, ultrasonically vibrates the needle 210
Implementation Method 2
applying electric power to the piezoelectric crystals 280, which in turn, cause the horn 250 to ultrasonically vibrate
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention pertains to a handpiece and more particular an ergonomic handpiece having two or more segments coupled together and capable of independently rotating around a longitudinal axis of the handpiece. In addition, one of the segments of the handpiece may have a tubing/cord management segment.