Lockable Orientation Stylus With Spring-Loaded Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical stylus locking mechanisms in minimally invasive procedures are prone to unintentional rotation due to soft tissue pressure, which can impair surgical accuracy and patient safety, as they either require multiple steps for locking or do not effectively prevent rotation.
Innovation Solution
A stylus design featuring a spring-loaded stop mechanism with differently shaped openings that allows rotational and translational movement during reference point determination and securely locks the stylus arm in place using a spring mechanism, preventing unintentional rotation even under soft tissue pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional screw or cam-lock locking mechanism is used, then the stylus arm can be locked in place, but the locking process requires multiple steps and may not prevent unintentional rotation under soft tissue pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent functions: a spring mechanism that provides automatic locking action and a stop mechanism that prevents rotation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the spring handling the locking operation and the stop handling the rotation prevention, thereby simplifying the overall operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically locks the stylus arm when the stop engages with the opening, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to automatically secure the stylus arm in place, reducing the surgical professional's workload and minimizing the risk of incomplete locking.
2Force
If a spring mechanism is used to provide resistance to rotation, then the stylus arm is harder to rotate, but the stylus arm can still become disengaged if jarred or subjected to pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent rotation before external forces such as soft tissue pressure or jarving can cause the stylus arm to disengage. By providing a mechanical barrier through the stop and opening engagement, the system counteracts potential harmful forces before they can compromise the locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop acts as an intermediary element between the stylus arm and the external environment. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical barrier that blocks rotation and prevents direct transmission of forces that could cause disengagement, thereby protecting the locking mechanism from unintended movement.
3Measurement precision
If the stylus arm is manipulated against unaffected areas of the bone under soft tissue, then accurate reference points can be obtained, but soft tissue pressure may cause the stylus arm to rotate unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent rotation before soft tissue pressure can cause the stylus arm to rotate. By providing a mechanical barrier through the stop and opening engagement, the system counteracts the harmful effect of soft tissue pressure before it can compromise the reference point accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop acts as an intermediary element between the stylus arm and the soft tissue environment. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical barrier that blocks rotational movement caused by soft tissue pressure, thereby protecting the accuracy of the reference point measurement.
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
The stylus arm can be easily and quickly locked in place, reducing the likelihood of unintentional rotation and ensuring accurate reference points during surgical procedures, enhancing the integrity and safety of minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be provided and located inside the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for identifying landmarks on the anatomy of a human for reference in a surgical procedure. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a stylus body is provided with a spring member and stop with openings having different shaped portions so that when the stop is depressed it can free the stylus arm and allow rotation and/or translation and, when released, it can lock the stylus arm from rotating and/or translating.