Ergonomic Needle Driver Handle for Palm-Controlled Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional needle drivers suffer from ergonomic limitations such as restricted wrist and hand mobility, localized pressure points, discomfort, and limited accommodation for palming techniques, which affect precision and efficiency during surgical suturing.
Innovation Solution
A needle driver design featuring palm members for even pressure distribution, a ratchet mechanism for locking jaws without continuous thumb pressure, and ambidextrous operation, with ergonomic contours and textured surfaces for improved grip and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional finger ring designs are used, then the needle driver can be operated with basic hand grip, but wrist and hand mobility is restricted and fine motor control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into multiple functional zones: finger rings for basic operation, palm contact surfaces for enhanced control, and textured grip areas. This segmentation allows users to selectively engage different portions of the handle based on the surgical task, enabling both basic finger-ring operation and advanced palm-controlled manipulation with improved wrist mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design transitions from a static, uniform structure to a dynamic, multi-functional interface. The palm contact surfaces and textured regions provide variable friction and contact points that adapt to different grip techniques, allowing the instrument to dynamically respond to user input whether using traditional finger rings or alternative palm-based control methods.
2Reliability
If firm grip within finger rings is maintained, then needle control is achieved, but localized pressure points and discomfort occur during lengthy procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented from the finger rings to include palm contact surfaces. This distributes the mechanical stress across a larger anatomical area (palm vs. finger), reducing localized pressure points while maintaining reliable needle control through the combined finger-palm grip interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the handle have optimized local properties: smooth finger rings for precise rotational control, textured regions for enhanced friction-based grip, and padded palm contact surfaces for pressure distribution. This local quality optimization ensures reliable needle control without creating discomfort zones.
3Ease of operation
If locking mechanisms are incorporated, then grip on needle is maintained without continuous pressure, but awkward thumb manipulation is required to engage or disengage jaws
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing jaw actuation mechanism. The same finger ring movement that closes the jaws also engages the lock, and the same movement that opens the jaws releases the lock. This integration eliminates separate locking controls and thumb manipulation steps, maintaining grip stability without adding operational complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard needle driver design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but ambidextrous operation is limited and duplicative inventory is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates asymmetric features that function equally well for both right and left hands. The palm contact surfaces and textured regions are positioned and shaped to provide optimal grip geometry regardless of which hand operates the instrument, enabling true ambidextrous use without requiring mirror-image variants.
5Ease of operation
If palm support features are added, then user comfort and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Palm support features are merged into the existing handle structure rather than being added as separate components. The palm contact surfaces are integrated into the handle body, and the textured grip regions are formed as part of the original manufacturing process, providing enhanced comfort without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A needle driver is provided. The needle driver includes a pair of elongated members each having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongated members are connected by a pin pivot to allow scissor-like movement between open and closed positions. A first jaw and a second jaw are located at the distal ends of the elongated members and are able to grip a surgical needle. Each elongated member includes a handle at the proximal end with a finger hole and a palm member positioned between the handle and the pin pivot. The palm members include flat interior faces that extend laterally beyond the edges of the elongated members to distribute pressure across the user's palm. A ratchet mechanism positioned between the handle and palm member selectively locks and unlocks the jaws. The needle driver improves ergonomic comfort, increases surgical precision, and supports ambidextrous operation during suturing procedures.