Resilient Pivot Connector for Rotatable Surgical Tool Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for nerve monitoring equipment and rotatable surgical tools often entangle and inhibit rotation due to their design, leading to potential breakage and reduced precision in minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A device with conductive members providing two spaced point contacts on a rotatable tool shaft, allowing for secure electrical connection while minimizing friction and accommodating varying tool diameters through a resilient pivot connection and flexible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed electrical connector is used to connect to a rotatable tool shaft, then electrical connection is established, but the connector entangles and inhibits rotation of the tool shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact member is made resilient and pivotable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the rotation of the tool shaft. The contact member can pivot within a slot and return to its engaged position through resilient force, enabling the tool shaft to rotate freely while maintaining continuous electrical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a resilient contact arm is used to accommodate varying tool diameters, then adaptability to different tools is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a resilient arm portion that provides adaptability, a pivot connection that enables movement, and a contact portion that maintains electrical contact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient contact arm serves multiple functions: it accommodates varying tool shaft diameters through pivoting, maintains constant electrical contact through resilient force, and allows rotation of the tool shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components to handle different tool sizes.
3Reliability
If electrical contact members provide continuous contact with the tool shaft, then electrical signal transmission is ensured, but friction increases and may inhibit rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact member is designed to be resilient and pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically follow the rotation of the tool shaft. This dynamic design maintains continuous electrical contact while minimizing friction by allowing the contact point to naturally adapt to the rotating surface.
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 secure, one-handed operation of electrical connections to rotatable tools, reducing the risk of entanglement and breakage, and improving precision during minimally invasive surgeries by allowing smooth rotation and secure attachment to tools of different diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient pivot connection positioned between the electrical contact member and the housing, so that the electrical contact member is resiliently urged into engagement with the tool shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for creating an electrical connection with a surgical tool is provided that is capable of engaging the shafts of rotatable surgical tools having varying diameters. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a body of nonconductive material connected to a pair of spaced, electrical contact members that provide two spaced points of contact with the tool shaft. In another aspect, a contact arm is provided which pivots within a slot formed within a housing to receive larger diameter tool shafts. Additionally, the contact arm closes an opening on the housing and resiliently shifts to an open position as the contact arm is brought into engagement with the tool shaft. A method of connecting a conductor assembly to a rotatable tool shaft is also provided which includes using tension in the conductor assembly to resist rotation of a gripping end of the assembly connected to a rotatable tool.