Modular Surgical Retactor With Interchangeable Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors are expensive, cumbersome to use, lack adjustability, and are difficult to insert and remove, leading to prolonged surgical times and potential patient trauma, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor system with a lockable hinge providing 0-360 degrees adjustability and interchangeable tongue blades, featuring a ratchet mechanism for secure positioning and easy removal, along with a maxillary brace for secure engagement with the patient's maxilla, allowing for flexible and rapid retraction during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing surgical retractors are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but the retractors are expensive, cumbersome to use, and lack adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into separate modular components: a handle assembly, a blade assembly, and interchangeable retractor blades. This segmentation allows different blade types to be attached to a single handle, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete retractor units, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of retractor blades through a standardized attachment mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single handle to perform various retraction tasks by simply changing the blade, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Productivity
If existing surgical retractors are used, then retraction can be maintained, but insertion and removal are complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade attachment mechanism incorporates a dynamic locking system with a release lever that allows quick transition between locked and unlocked states. This enables rapid insertion and removal of blades during surgery, improving both surgical speed and ease of operation without compromising retraction stability when locked.
3Reliability
If existing surgical retractors are used, then retraction function is provided, but removal in emergency situations is difficult and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever mechanism is designed to be operable by the surgeon without assistance, allowing quick unilateral release of the blade from the handle. This self-service capability ensures that in emergency situations, the retractor can be rapidly removed by a single operator, improving both reliability of emergency removal and reducing loss of time.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing surgical retractors are used, then surgical access is provided, but patient trauma is increased and surgical time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade is designed with a curved contour that can be adjusted to match different anatomical structures in the oral cavity. By changing the geometric parameters of the blade contour, the device can adapt to various patient anatomies, reducing trauma while maintaining ease of use through the standardized handle assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple piece tongue blade is described. The multiple piece tongue blade is provided with a step and a tip. The stem is adapted to be inserted into a handle of a surgical retractor. The tip is adapted to be selectively attached to the stem. The tip is insertable into a mouth of a patient such that the tip applies pressure onto a tongue of the patient.