Single-Handed Needle Extension and Retraction Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand-held medical devices require two hands to extend and retract needles for procedures like prostate ablation, limiting the user's ability to perform other tasks simultaneously and increasing the complexity of the operation.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device equipped with a mechanical lever system that allows single-handed operation, featuring an extension lever and a retraction lever, enabling the user to extend and retract a needle electrode with ergonomic ease and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single trigger mechanism is used to extend the needle, then the extension operation is simplified, but the retraction operation requires two hands increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the extension and retraction control mechanisms into a single integrated trigger system. The trigger can be depressed to extend the needle and pulled to retract it, merging two separate control operations into one unified mechanism that requires only one hand to operate both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single trigger mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls both needle extension and needle retraction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate controls for each operation, allowing the user to perform both actions with one hand while maintaining simplified operation.
2Measurement precision
If two hands are required to retract the needle, then precise control is achieved, but the user cannot perform additional tasks simultaneously reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges extension and retraction controls into a single trigger mechanism that provides precise control for both operations. The trigger's mechanical design ensures accurate needle positioning during extension while enabling easy retraction with the same control, all operable with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. Once the needle is extended to the desired position, the same trigger can be pulled back to retract the needle without requiring additional controls or the user's other hand, enabling the user to perform other tasks simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical lever system is added for single-handed operation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extension and retraction levers into a single integrated trigger mechanism. This unified design provides single-handed control for both operations while minimizing the addition of separate mechanical components, as the same trigger structure serves dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both extension and retraction operations. This universal design reduces the need for additional separate levers or controls, achieving single-handed operation without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
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
Enables the user to perform both extension and retraction of the needle electrode with one hand, allowing for simultaneous performance of additional tasks and reducing mechanical complexity, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an extension lever that pivots about an extension pivot point attached to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a retraction lever coupled to the sliding element that moves the sliding element in the second direction
Implementation Method 3
The extension lever is coupled to the sliding element via an extension link, and a first end of the extension link pivots about an extension link pivot point located at a first end of the extension lever and a second end of the extension link pivots about a block pivot point attached to the sliding element
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a hand-held device that utilizes a mechanical lever system to operate the device with a single hand. The mechanical lever system is coupled to a sliding element within the housing of the hand-held device that slides linearly. The sliding element may be attached to another element that is extended, retracted, or rotated in or out of the device. For example, the hand-held device may be used for prostate ablation therapy. The hand-held device may include an ablation needle electrode that is extended out of a catheter and into a tissue of a patient by depressing an extension lever of the mechanical lever system to deliver ablation therapy. Depressing a retraction lever of the mechanical lever system may retract the needle electrode back into the catheter of the hand-held device. Other variations of the mechanical system and applications of the hand-held device are also described.