Interlocking Collet Assembly for Bidirectional Surgical Tool Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collets used in robotic surgical systems often employ a single locking mechanism, which fails to securely retain tools in both directions along the axis of rotation, leading to movement and stress issues during surgical procedures, causing tool slippage and inefficient cutting.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking collet system with first and second locking members and a bias member, positioned to exert opposing axial forces on the attachment, ensuring secure retention in both directions and distributing lateral loads to prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking mechanism is used to retain the tool, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of tool retention deteriorates because the tool cannot be securely retained in both directions along the axis
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking mechanism is segmented into two separate locking members (first locking member and second locking member), each responsible for retaining the attachment in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each locking direction, improving overall retention reliability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system transitions from one-dimensional (single direction) to two-dimensional (opposite directions along the axis) locking capability. The first locking member engages with a first attachment surface while the second locking member engages with a second attachment surface, creating bidirectional retention along the longitudinal axis
2Ease of manufacture
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to maintain consistent retention in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two independent locking member assemblies, each optimized for specific directional retention requirements. This allows precision engineering of each locking surface independently, ensuring consistent engagement geometry for both first and second attachment surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Different locking members are designed with locally optimized characteristics - the first locking member is optimized for engagement with the first attachment surface in one direction, while the second locking member is optimized for the second attachment surface in the opposite direction, allowing each to achieve maximum precision for its specific function
3Device complexity
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the stability deteriorates due to bending moments and tool slippage under lateral loads
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second locking members act as counterbalancing elements, with the first locking member preventing slippage in one direction while the second locking member prevents slippage in the opposite direction. This creates a balanced, stable retention system that resists lateral loads and bending moments from both directions along the longitudinal axis
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system adds dimensional stability by providing locking capability in two opposite directions along the longitudinal axis, transforming from a single-point retention system to a distributed bidirectional retention system that better resists lateral forces and bending moments
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 interlocking collet system provides symmetric retention of surgical tools, resisting bending moments and reducing deflection, thus enhancing the stability and precision of surgical procedures by maintaining uniform angular velocity and cutting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one bias member disposed within the bore of the housing... arranged to position the first locking member along the axis in a first position... arranged to position the second locking member along the axis in a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking collet system includes an attachment comprising first and second attachment surfaces spaced from one another and a collet. The collet comprises a housing configured to extend along an axis. The housing defines a bore for selectively disposing and retaining the attachment therein in an installed position. First and second locking members are disposed within the bore and are moveable. At least one bias member is disposed within the bore and is arranged to position the first locking member in a first position in which the first locking member is configured to contact the first attachment surface. The at least one bias member is arranged to position the second locking member in a second position in which the second locking member is configured to contact the second attachment surface. The first and second locking members are configured to exert opposing axial forces on the attachment.