Lockable Orientation Instrument Assembly for Surgical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical instrumentation faces challenges with loose locking mechanisms during procedures, particularly in small surgical spaces and high vibration environments, leading to implant malpositioning, prolonged surgery times, and adverse patient outcomes due to the inability to quickly and securely adjust instrumentation components.
Innovation Solution
The development of lockable instrument assemblies with a displacement member and adjustment member featuring a shaped aperture and rotation prevention features, allowing for secure locking and unlocking of instrumentation components, providing tactile feedback, and maintaining consistent locking forces, enabling quick adjustments and preventing unintentional unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms (setscrews or levers with cam portions) are used, then the instrumentation can be adjusted during surgical procedures, but the locking strength is insufficient and components loosen during high vibration environments or small surgical spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through rotational movement of the actuator. The cam surface geometry enables controlled transition between these states, allowing the surgeon to dynamically adjust component positioning while maintaining strong locking when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is designed with curved geometry that provides mechanical advantage during the locking motion. The arc-shaped cam path amplifies the rotational force applied by the surgeon into a strong linear locking force, ensuring reliable engagement even in high-vibration environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used to improve versatility, then different surgical functions can be accommodated, but the crude locking mechanisms between components loosen during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the adjustment member in place, provides tactile feedback for proper engagement, and can be easily operated with one hand. This multi-functional design maintains versatility while ensuring reliable locking across different modular component configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates tactile feedback through the cam surface geometry and actuator design. When the actuator is rotated into the locked position, the surgeon can feel a distinct mechanical stop or click, providing immediate confirmation that the component is securely locked and preventing accidental loosening.
3Stability of the object's composition
If measuring devices are made as solid one-piece components, then they provide structural stability, but they become bulky and cannot be temporarily adjusted for easy ingress and egress from small surgical sites
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into separate modular components: a main body and an adjustment member that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to be disassembled or reconfigured for minimally invasive access while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, as each component can be inserted through small incisions and then locked together securely.
4Productivity
If components are allowed to rotate and translate freely for adjustment, then quick repositioning is possible, but unintentional movement or loosening occurs during surgical steps
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment member is pre-configured with specific engagement features that align with corresponding features on the main body. Before locking, the components are positioned in their desired configuration, and then the actuator is rotated to engage the cam surface, which preliminarily secures the position before final locking occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when locked, the components maintain their intended spatial relationship.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are lockable instrument assemblies for quick and easy configuration of surgical instrumentation. The assemblies are operable between a locked and unlocked position, and generally include an aperture having a shaped profile which receives an adjustment member therein. When the assemblies are placed in a locked assembly configuration, the adjustment member is prevented from rotating or translating within the aperture. When the assemblies are placed in an unlocked assembly configuration, the adjustment member is permitted to rotate or translate within the aperture. Also disclosed are methods of using and making lockable instrument assemblies.