Pivotable Finger Loops for Ergonomic Surgical Instrument Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standardized surgical instruments with static finger loops often cause discomfort for users with smaller or larger thumbs due to excessive clearance or friction, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
A handle arrangement with movable arms and pivotable finger loops that adjust to fit different thumb sizes, reducing friction and accommodating various hand sizes, allowing for comfortable operation by both right- and left-handed users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static finger loops are used in standardized surgical instruments, then manufacturing consistency and standardization are improved, but user comfort and adaptability to different hand sizes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The finger loop is transformed from a static component to a dynamic one by introducing a pivot connection that allows rotation about the longitudinal axis of the arm. This enables the finger loop to adapt its orientation to different user hand sizes and thumb positions while maintaining a standardized fixed structure for manufacturing consistency.
2Device complexity
If static finger loops with fixed sizing are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but user comfort and friction reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection enables the finger loop to dynamically adjust its position and orientation during use, reducing friction between the user's thumb/index finger and the loop interior surface. This dynamic adjustment capability improves ease of operation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger loop's orientation parameter is made variable through the pivot connection, allowing it to rotate and adapt to different user anatomies. This parameter change enables reduced friction and improved comfort while maintaining a relatively simple fixed structural design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pivotable finger loops are implemented, then adaptability to different hand sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pivot connection is introduced to transform the fixed finger loop into a rotatable one, enabling adaptability to different hand sizes. This minimal dynamic element provides the necessary adjustment capability without substantially increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable finger loop design serves multiple functions: it accommodates different user hand sizes, reduces friction during operation, and maintains a standardized fixed structure for manufacturing. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing 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
The ergonomic design enhances user comfort and usability by reducing thumb and index finger friction, accommodating different hand sizes, and enabling quick hand position changes during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation means may be arranged to pivot by means of a hinged connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument with a handle for a surgical instrument is provided, comprising a first arm and a second arm, wherein at least one of the arms being movable with respect to the other between an open and closed position. An end effector such as a pair of opposing jaws for grasping tissue may be disposed at the distal end of the two arms. At the proximal end of each arm is a finger loop, or some other suitable means for holding by the handle, which are used to actuate the arms between the open and closed position. At least one of the finger loops is arranged to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the arm from which it extends, for example, the finger loop may be connected to the arm by a hinged connection, or any other suitable connection for enabling the finger loop to be pivotably rotated.