Patella Clamp With Rotatable Handle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patella clamps have a fixed position of the handle assembly relative to the clamping assembly, limiting their versatility and visibility during surgical procedures, especially when dealing with variations in subluxation or different surgical techniques and knee orientations.
Innovation Solution
A patella clamp with a moveable handle assembly relative to the clamping assembly, utilizing a multi-positional ratcheting assembly with ball plungers and springs, allowing the handle to be rotated and adjusted for increased visibility and accommodating various anatomical positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the handle assembly is fixed in position relative to the clamping assembly, then the device structure is simple, but the visibility and working space during surgery are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is made movable relative to the clamping assembly through a ratcheting mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the handle position. This enables the surgeon to reposition the handle out of the way during surgery to improve visibility and working space, while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a straightforward ratcheting system with ball plungers and springs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly is fixed in position relative to the clamping assembly, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surgical techniques and anatomical positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism allows the handle assembly to be adjusted to multiple positions relative to the clamping assembly, enabling adaptation to different surgical techniques, knee orientations, and anatomical variations. The mechanism maintains simplicity through standardized components while providing versatile positioning options
3Ease of operation
If a multi-positional ratcheting assembly is added to allow handle adjustment, then visibility and working space are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism is designed to be self-contained with integrated ball plungers, springs, and engagement features that automatically maintain the handle in selected positions without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking systems. This self-service design minimizes the number of parts while providing easy adjustment capability
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 improved visibility and working space for surgeons, allowing the clamp to grip the patella in a wider range of positions, reducing the need for multiple instruments and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping assembly is coupled to the handle assembly via a multi-positional ratcheting assembly (e.g., an adjustable ratchet assembly) so that the handle assembly can be rotated relative to the clamping assembly
Implementation Method 2
the ratchet assembly may include a series of ball plungers and/or springs
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a patella clamp configured to grip a patient's patella. The patella clamp includes a clamping assembly, a ratchet arm assembly, and a handle assembly. The clamping assembly includes first and second patella grip portions mounted in opposing relationship. In use, actuation of the handle assembly moves the second patella grip portion towards the first patella grip portion to clamp the patient's patella. The handle assembly is configured to be moveably adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the clamping assembly. For example, each of the first and second patella grip portions are coupled to mating features mounted on the ratchet arm assembly. Decoupling of the mating features allows the first and second patella grip portions to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the ratchet arm assembly. Thus arranged, the patella clamp is configured to enable the surgeon to reposition the handle assembly to provide increased visibility, etc.