Deflectable Finger Connection for Surgical Saw Blade Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical saw blades often fall out of surgical saws during procedures due to improper clamping, leading to waste and increased surgical time.
Innovation Solution
A surgical cutting blade with a deflectable finger connection feature that includes a longitudinally extending slot with deflectable fingers, allowing for provisional attachment to the saw before full clamping, reducing the likelihood of the blade falling and facilitating easier blade changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blade is manually held in place on the post before clamping, then the blade can be positioned for attachment, but the blade may fall out if the surgeon does not properly clamp it
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed with a provisional attachment mechanism (deflectable fingers that snap onto the post) that provides temporary securement before final clamping. This preliminary action ensures the blade stays in place during the transition from manual holding to permanent fixation, eliminating the risk of accidental drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable fingers provide a dynamic attachment mechanism that transitions from a loose fit during insertion to a secure snap-fit during provisional attachment. The fingers can deflect during insertion but provide rigid retention during use, adapting their mechanical state to different operational phases.
2Productivity
If the blade has a simple opening for post insertion, then the blade can be quickly attached, but the blade may become loose and fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The slot and deflectable finger mechanism provides preliminary securement that holds the blade securely during insertion and initial positioning. This preliminary action ensures reliable attachment before the final clamping step, maintaining both speed and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct phases: provisional attachment via deflectable fingers followed by final clamping. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific function - quick provisional securing followed by permanent fixation - thereby achieving both speed and reliability.
3Reliability
If the blade falls out during surgery, then the surgical procedure must be paused to retrieve or replace the blade, but this increases surgical time and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The provisional attachment mechanism provides preliminary securement that prevents accidental drops during the critical transition period before final clamping. By ensuring reliable attachment from the moment of insertion, the system eliminates the need for surgical interruptions to retrieve fallen blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable finger mechanism acts as a protective intermediary that cushions against attachment errors. Even if clamping is not immediately performed, the provisional attachment provides a safety buffer that prevents the blade from falling, thereby preventing surgical delays.
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 solution provides secure provisional attachment of the saw blade, reducing waste and surgical time by preventing accidental drops and simplifying blade changes, thereby improving surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A deflectable finger may form a portion of the slot. The deflectable finger may be defined by the slot and by at least one gap between the deflectable finger and the outer perimeter. The deflectable finger may be configured to deflect into the gap when the saw blade is introduced to the surgical saw.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical cutting blade for cutting bone material when the blade is coupled to a hand-held surgical saw includes a distal portion comprising a plurality of cutting teeth, a shank portion adjacent the distal portion, and a proximal portion adjacent the shank portion. The proximal portion may include a longitudinally extending slot having a proximal opening. The slot may be shaped to receive a portion of the surgical saw through the proximal opening. The proximal portion may have a plurality of deflectable fingers respectively separated from a plurality of main body portions by respective gaps. The plurality of deflectable fingers may extend adjacent the longitudinally extending slot, and may deflect into the gaps to increase and decrease a width of a portion of the slot.