Laparoscopic Tool Retention Mechanism with Two-Button Release
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgical devices lack ergonomic and economically-efficient designs that allow for easy tool end assembly attachment and detachment, and do not facilitate the interchangeability of tool bodies between different handle configurations, which complicates surgical procedures and increases equipment costs.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic surgical device with a tool end retention mechanism that includes a two-button component for secure engagement and disengagement of the tool end assembly, and a linkage system that enables interchangeable use of tool bodies between various handle configurations, such as in-line and off-set pistol grip handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional permanent attachment system is used for the tool end assembly, then the structural integrity and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation for attachment and detachment deteriorates, and the adaptability for interchangeability between handle configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a handle assembly and a tool end assembly that can be independently attached and detached. The linkage system includes separate engagement elements (buttons, camming surfaces, lever arms) that work together to provide secure attachment while allowing easy release, resolving the contradiction between permanent integrity and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The biased retention mechanism with camming surfaces and lever arms provides automatic engagement for secure attachment, while the button-actuated release mechanism enables easy detachment, allowing the system to adapt between secured and released states as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized dedicated tool end assembly is designed for each handle configuration, then the adaptability for specific handle configurations is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is designed with universal compatibility across different handle configurations (in-line, off-set pistol grip). The same tool end assembly can be attached to various handle types through the standardized linkage mechanism with buttons, camming surfaces, and lever arms, eliminating the need for specialized components for each handle configuration and reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to ensure secure attachment, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation for quick release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biased retention mechanism with spring-loaded buttons and camming surfaces is pre-configured to automatically engage and lock the tool end assembly to the handle during the attachment process. This preliminary locking action ensures secure attachment without requiring complex manual locking steps, while the same pre-configured mechanism enables quick release when the buttons are actuated, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and quick release.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A laparoscopic surgical device is provided, including a removable tool-comprising shaft having an outer shaft and an inner actuation rod that may be removably or permanently connected together. A handle of the device includes a two-button mechanism for engaging and releasing the removable tool-comprising shaft. The two-button mechanism is configured to engage overlapping corresponding apertures of the outer shaft and the inner rod that extends through the outer shaft, and the handle may include a variety of configurations that can readily interchangeably be used with different tool bodies.