Surgical Retractor Locking Mechanism for Blade Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical retractors lack a mechanism to lock retractor blades in a selected position, leading to unpredictable movement and potential distraction during surgical procedures, which can result in errors.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor with a control assembly that includes a base member, a regulating member, and a connecting member, allowing for controlled rotation and locking of the retractor blade, enabling precise positioning and reducing unnecessary movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional retractor blade is used without a locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and stability of the retractor blade position deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into separate functional components: a retractor body, a retractor blade, and a control assembly with locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the blade to be independently locked in position while keeping the overall structure manageable and not overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the retractor blade position during surgery, allowing the blade to be moved to different positions and locked when needed. This dynamic capability improves reliability without requiring a completely fixed, complex structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a locking mechanism is added to control retractor blade movement, then the reliability and precision of blade positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is designed to be operated by the surgeon's hand without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The locking mechanism engages and disengages through manual manipulation, providing precise blade positioning while keeping the control structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a straightforward mechanical locking mechanism rather than electronic or automated systems. This mechanical approach achieves precise positioning while minimizing the complexity of the control assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the retractor blade is allowed to move freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and predictability of blade position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly allows periodic movement of the blade to different positions, followed by locking in each position. This periodic action pattern enables the surgeon to adjust the blade as needed while maintaining stability when the blade is locked, combining ease of operation with position stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical retractor includes a retractor body and a retractor arm. The retractor arm includes a first portion configured to operatively connect to the retractor body, and a control assembly configured to control movement of a retractor blade. The control assembly includes a base member having a first opening and a second opening, and movable between a first position and second position. The retractor arm further includes a regulating member to control rotation of the base member and move through the first opening of the base member, a connecting member cooperatively connected to the regulating member, and a barrel member in operative slidable engagement with the second opening formed in the base member. Rotation of the regulating member in a selected direction moves a stem of the regulating member through the first opening thereby forcing the barrel member to slide along the second opening and the base member to pivot relative to the retractor arm between a first position and second position, thereby rotating a connected retractor blade.