Lateral Retractor Arm Locking for Independent Bilateral Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lateral retractors used in spinal surgery lack flexibility and functionality, particularly in controlling the movement of cranial and caudal arms, limiting their applicability and effectiveness in various surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A lateral retractor system with pivotable arms and locking mechanisms that allow independent or equal bilateral retraction, featuring rack-and-pinion mechanisms, split bearings, and knurled clutches to control the movement of the arms, enabling selective locking and synchronized movement of the cranial and caudal arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locking mechanisms are added to control arm movement, then flexibility and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: locking feet for individual arm locking, split bearings for selective engagement, and independent control buttons for each arm. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be achieved through simple, independent modules rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic control by allowing the operator to selectively lock or unlock individual arms independently. The split bearings enable transition between locked and unlocked states, providing adaptive control flexibility during surgical procedures without requiring a completely redesign of the basic structure.
2Measurement precision
If equal bilateral retraction mechanism is implemented, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The equal bilateral retraction function is achieved by combining simple existing components - the rack-and-pinion mechanisms of both arms engage with a common rack, and the split bearings are coupled together. This merging of simple components creates synchronized movement without requiring a complex dedicated equalization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-and-pinion mechanisms serve dual functions: they enable independent arm movement when needed, and simultaneously provide equal bilateral retraction when both arms are engaged with the common rack. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for different retraction modes.
3Ease of operation
If independent arm movement is allowed, then operational flexibility is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each arm has its own independent locking foot and control button, allowing the operator to control each arm independently through simple local actions. The split bearings automatically engage or disengage based on the position of the control buttons, eliminating the need for complex coordination between arms.
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral retractor system has components and features to permit control of each retractor arm so as to articulate independently. The system likewise includes the ability to lock one arm in place and articulate only the other, as well as the ability to toggle or switch between modes, including the mode where the arms articulate together, equally.