Surgical Retractor Blade Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors often require frequent blade changes during operations, and existing quick-release systems may not securely lock the blade in place, leading to potential instability and complications during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor system featuring a blade with a radially extending notched surface that mates with a corresponding notched surface on the retractor arm or head, preventing radial swiveling and allowing secure attachment in any position, using mechanisms like a plunger/spring/ball bearing system or a thumb screw for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick-release system is used to allow frequent blade changes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of blade securing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a nested structure where a locking element (such as a cam or latch) is positioned within the connection assembly. The locking element can engage with corresponding features on the blade and arm to secure the blade in place, while still allowing quick release when needed. This nested design provides both secure locking and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is pre-configured with locking features that automatically engage when the blade is inserted into the arm. This preliminary locking action ensures the blade is securely attached before surgical use begins, while the design still allows for quick release when blade changes are needed.
2Ease of operation
If a blade is allowed to swivel to compensate for positioning errors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly incorporates a dynamic element that allows the blade to swivel or adjust its angle relative to the arm. This dynamic capability enables the blade to compensate for positioning errors during surgery, while the manufacturing precision of the connection features ensures that the swivel occurs within controlled parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between blade and arm is segmented into multiple degrees of freedom, allowing independent adjustment of positioning parameters. This segmentation enables the blade to be positioned at various angles while maintaining secure attachment, compensating for surgical positioning requirements without compromising overall precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain embodiments provide surgical retractors that include an arm and a blade, the arm including an opening and a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening, the blade including a nipple and a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple. Attaching the blade to the arm such that the notched surfaces mate can secure the blade relative to the arm such that the blade cannot swivel radially about the opening. Certain embodiments provide methods for securing a retractor blade that can include inserting a nipple on a retractor blade into an opening and mating a first notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the opening with a second notched surface comprising a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the nipple.