Surgical Handpiece Trigger Linkage With Magnetic Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical handpieces lack accurate and robust actuation mechanisms and sensor assemblies that can provide precise control and protection from harsh environments, leading to potential assembly and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An actuation mechanism with a translational trigger assembly that converts translational motion to rotational motion, using a magnet and magnetic sensor to detect rotational position, integrated with a housing that protects the sensor and circuitry from external harshness, ensuring precise control and assembly alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a translational trigger assembly is used to actuate the surgical handpiece, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of the trigger position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical position sensing with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet attached to the rotational linkage generates a magnetic field that is detected by a magnetic sensor, eliminating the need for complex mechanical encoders or direct contact sensing mechanisms while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the mechanical trigger assembly and the position detection system. The magnet serves as a mediator that translates mechanical rotational position into a detectable magnetic signal without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the trigger and sensor.
2Measurement precision
If the magnetic sensor is placed close to the actuation mechanism for accurate detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to exposure to harsh external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-magnetic barrier wall that acts as a protective shell separating the magnetic sensor from the harsh external environment. This wall allows magnetic field penetration while providing mechanical protection and environmental isolation, enabling the sensor to remain shielded yet functionally connected to the actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-magnetic barrier wall serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for sensor protection and the need for magnetic field detection. It blocks physical contaminants and environmental hazards while permitting magnetic field transmission, thus protecting the sensor without isolating it from its functional environment.
3Reliability
If the trigger assembly is designed for robust operation in harsh environments, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the trigger assembly components to serve multiple functions: the rotational linkage provides both mechanical actuation and position indication, the magnet provides both structural attachment and magnetic field generation, and the barrier wall provides both protection and magnetic field transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of precision-critical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensing system provides self-alignment capabilities through the magnetic field interaction between the magnet and sensor, reducing the need for precision mechanical alignment during assembly. The magnetic attraction and field distribution naturally guide the components into proper positioning.
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
Enhances the operation and assembly of surgical handpieces by providing high accuracy and intuitive control, while protecting sensitive components from environmental factors, improving manufacturing and service efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet may be connected to the rotational linkage opposite the trigger. In response to the depression of the trigger assembly, the rotational linkage may rotate the poles of the magnet about an axis parallel to the translational path, such that the rotational position of the magnetic poles may be detected
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic sensor may further be incorporated in the body of the surgical handpiece and separated from the actuation mechanism via a wall of the body of the handpiece
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation mechanism for a surgical handpiece includes a trigger assembly extending along a translational path and a rotational linkage in connection with the trigger assembly that converts translational motion along the translational path to a rotational motion about the actuation path. A magnet is in connection with the rotational linkage. The magnet has opposing poles that rotate in response to the rotational motion.