Reamer Handle Coupling Mechanism for Orthopedic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coupling mechanisms for attaching orthopedic cutting tools like reamers to spindles in hip replacement surgery require manual manipulation, leading to contamination risks and hindering simultaneous device handling, as they necessitate physical contact and repeated attachment/removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism with angled slots and a bias member that aligns and secures the cutting tool without manual manipulation, using a collar and shank with aligned slots to capture the tool's driver interface, allowing for secure attachment and detachment through physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bayonet coupling mechanisms are used to attach reamers to spindles, then the cutting tool can be securely attached, but manual manipulation is required which increases contamination risk and reduces surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the reamer to the spindle without requiring manual manipulation. The slots and bias member create a self-securing system where the reamer's driver interface automatically aligns with and engages the coupling slots, eliminating the need for hand manipulation and reducing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional bayonet-style manual coupling mechanism with an automated slot-based system. Instead of requiring rotational manipulation and hand operation, the new system uses aligned slots with a bias member that automatically secures the tool through physical contact and mechanical alignment, substituting manual mechanical action with an automated mechanical system.
2Reliability
If traditional bayonet coupling mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but physical manipulation hinders the physician's ability to manipulate other devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism performs the attachment function automatically without requiring the physician's hands. The slots and bias member system self-secures the reamer to the spindle through automated alignment and engagement, freeing both hands for manipulating other surgical devices simultaneously while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If traditional bayonet coupling mechanisms are used, then the cutting tool can be attached, but repeated manual attachment and detachment processes are required which reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism enables rapid, automated attachment and detachment of reamers without manual manipulation. The slots and bias member system allows the reamer to be quickly secured and released through simple physical contact and movement, eliminating time-consuming hand operations and improving productivity during multiple reamer changes in the surgical procedure.
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
This solution reduces contamination risks and enhances surgical efficiency by eliminating the need for manual handling of the coupling mechanism, allowing for easier attachment and detachment of orthopedic cutting tools during hip replacement procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A bias member incorporated within the mechanism provides a bias force that causes the plurality of slots to align, thereby securing the driver interface therewithin
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling mechanism designed to removably attach a reamer to the distal end of a spindle or shaft is disclosed. The coupling comprises a collar having an annular sidewall that defines a collar throughbore, the collar annular sidewall comprising a plurality of spaced part first slots that at least partially extend through the sidewall and a shank disposed within the collar throughbore. The shank is constructed with a shank annular sidewall in which a plurality of spaced apart second slots at least partially extend therethrough. A bias member that provides a bias force in a distal direction that acts on the collar is incorporated within the mechanism. The collar is capable of sliding in an axial direction such that the first and second slots become aligned to secure the cross bar of a reamer therein.