Lockable Ball-and-Socket Joint for Fast Polyaxial Retraction Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractor systems face challenges in achieving polyaxial adjustment and locking of tissue retracting implements relative to retractor bodies, requiring complex operations and multiple rotations to achieve sufficient locking strength, which can lead to unintended movement during actuation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ball-and-socket joint assembly with a compression member and actuator shaft that allows for quick coupling and decoupling, provisional locking, and selective locking with minimal movement, utilizing a collet and spring mechanism to provide frictional resistance and maintain the position of tissue retracting implements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw mechanism is used to lock the tissue retracting implement, then locking strength can be achieved, but multiple rotations are required which increases operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a collet with gripping surfaces, a compression member, and a ratchet mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the ratchet providing immediate locking without requiring multiple rotations like a traditional screw would
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism is pre-configured with engagement teeth that automatically engage when the compression member is actuated. This preliminary arrangement of locking surfaces ensures that locking action occurs immediately upon compression, eliminating the need for multiple rotational adjustments required by screw mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If a screw mechanism is used for locking, then adjustable locking levels can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex requiring multiple rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member can be dynamically adjusted along the actuator shaft to different positions, and at each position the ratchet mechanism provides immediate locking. This dynamic positioning capability replaces the complex multi-rotation screw adjustment with simple linear movement combined with automatic ratchet engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the compression member and the locking action. It translates the linear movement of the compression member into immediate rotational locking, simplifying the operation while maintaining adjustable locking levels
3Stability of the object's composition
If the actuating screw is coupled to the tissue retracting implement, then the implement can be locked in position, but unintended movement may occur during actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation and locking functions are segmented into separate components: the compression member handles actuation while the ratchet mechanism handles locking. This separation ensures that the locking action is independent and does not interfere with the actuation process, preventing unintended movement
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet teeth are pre-positioned to engage immediately when the compression member reaches the appropriate position. This preliminary arrangement ensures that locking occurs before any unintended movement can happen during actuation, enhancing both position stability and actuation reliability
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
This solution enables efficient and simplified polyaxial restraint and locking of surgical retractor components, reducing the complexity of operations and minimizing movement during locking, thereby enhancing the stability and ease of use in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A spring can be disposed in the cavity and can be coupled to the body and the receiving member for applying an elastic force on the collet
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the compression member urges the compression member distally in the cavity, and continuing to rotate the compression member until an outer surface of the collet is compressed against the opening of the cavity
Implementation Method 3
The collet can be configured to passively secure the spherical portion of the connector without engaging the opening of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A ball and socket joint assembly is disclosed that includes a body defining a cavity, a collet disposed in the cavity to receive a ball of a connector, and an actuator shaft coupled to the collet for rotating and translating the collet in the cavity. The cavity has a distal opening to accept the ball and an engagement feature extending into the cavity. The collet has an outer diameter larger than the opening in the body when the ball is disposed in the collet, and the collet has a corresponding engagement feature around at least a portion of the outer surface for receiving the engagement feature and converting rotation of the compression member into translation of the compression member along a proximal-distal axis of the body. The collet is compressed against the opening of the cavity when the collet is advanced distally against the opening.