Releasable Light Carrier Mounting Frame for Surgical Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments lack the capability to accommodate light carriers effectively, requiring complex and costly modifications during manufacturing, and there is no method for retrofitting standard tools to utilize illuminating light carriers, leading to inefficiencies in surgical illumination.

Innovation Solution

A releasable light carrier mounting system that securely attaches to surgical instruments using a thin, lightweight, adjustable, and nonobtrusive frame with deformable clips, allowing quick and convenient attachment of light carriers to various surgical instruments without the need for custom slots or channels, and featuring a design that transforms focused light into a broader illumination pattern.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integral channels and tabs are formed in surgical instruments to hold light carriers, then light carrier attachment capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight carrier attachment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate components: a standard surgical instrument and a separate mounting frame assembly. The mounting frame includes integral channels and tabs that attach to the instrument, separating the light carrier attachment function from the instrument itself. This allows the instrument to be manufactured without specialized features while still enabling light carrier attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mounting frame assembly serves as an intermediary component between the surgical instrument and the light carrier. This frame includes channels and tabs that mediate the attachment process, allowing the light carrier to be securely mounted on standard instruments without modifying the instruments themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If custom slots and channels are fabricated in surgical instruments, then light carrier securement is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight carrier securementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The securement function is segmented into a separate mounting frame assembly rather than being integrated into the instrument. The frame contains the channels and tabs needed for secure attachment, allowing standard instruments to be manufactured at lower cost while still achieving reliable light carrier securement through the additive frame component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If standard surgical instruments are used without specialized features, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but light carrier attachment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlight carrier attachment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the light carrier, includes channels for light carrier engagement, has tabs for attachment to the surgical instrument, and can be configured for different instrument types. This universal component enables light carrier attachment capability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity of the base instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If light carriers are mounted securely to instruments, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame uses thin-walled construction for its channels and tabs, providing sufficient structural strength and security for light carrier attachment while minimizing added weight. The frame can be made from thin metallic or plastic materials that offer the necessary rigidity for secure mounting without significant mass increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables improved illumination of surgical sites by allowing any standard surgical instrument to be easily retrofitted with a light carrier, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while ensuring secure attachment and efficient light transmission without interfering with instrument use or movement during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a light carrier (C) composed of a light conducting material for transmitting light from a fiberoptic light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight conduction: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS10463444B2Light carrier and system for mounting same to a surgical instrument

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 SUNOPTIC TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A releasable light carrier mounting frame includes an upper portion having a receptacle for receiving a light carrier. One or more clips are attached to the upper portion and engaged with an underlying surgical instrument to secure the light carrier to the surgical instrument.