Offset Drive Handpiece With Asymmetric Motor And Dual Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld medical devices face limitations in ergonomic design, control placement, and fluid passage alignment, which affect usability and maintenance, particularly in configurations where controls are positioned on multiple sides and motor axes are offset from driven implements.
Innovation Solution
A handheld medical device design featuring an offset drive system with dual button assemblies on opposite sides, an internal fluid passage parallel to the motor output shaft, and a locking collet mechanism, along with a flow controller for adjustable fluid flow, enhancing ergonomic handling and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor is axially aligned with the surgical device, then the structure is simple and compact, but the aspiration channel must be offset from the surgical device which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is deliberately offset from axial alignment with the surgical device, creating an asymmetric configuration. This allows the aspiration channel to be positioned centrally along the surgical device axis while the motor occupies an offset position, resolving the conflict between structural simplicity and fluid passage alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a one-dimensional axial alignment to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The motor, surgical device, and aspiration channel are positioned in different spatial planes, allowing the aspiration channel to run centrally while the motor operates from an offset position without interfering with fluid flow paths.
2Ease of operation
If controls are positioned on multiple sides of the handpiece, then ergonomic handling is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control buttons are distributed across different sides of the handpiece, allowing the device to be operated from various hand positions and orientations. This multi-functional control layout enables the same device to accommodate different surgical techniques and user preferences without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control buttons positioned on different sides of the handpiece. Each button can be independently activated, and their distributed positioning allows operators to access controls from various hand positions, improving ergonomics while maintaining modular simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the motor output shaft is offset from the surgical device axis, then fluid passage alignment is simplified, but the drive system requires an offset mechanism increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid passage acts as an intermediary element that bridges the offset motor position with the centrally aligned surgical device. The fluid passage is configured to accommodate the offset arrangement, allowing fluid flow to be directed centrally along the surgical device axis while the motor remains positioned offset to simplify overall fluid management.
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 design improves ergonomic handling by allowing multiple control positions and efficient fluid management, facilitating easier maintenance and operation while maintaining a liquid-tight seal, thus enhancing the overall performance of handheld medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member that is spring biased to a lock position and moveable with a button to an unlock position
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.