Screw-Driven Surgical Retractor for Adjustable Arm Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractors with scissors mechanisms for changing the separation between arms are limited in capability and flexibility, requiring improvements for enhanced functionality and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A retractor design featuring a screw-threaded support member with movable arms and bridging parts, allowing for adjustable separation and retraction in multiple directions, facilitated by a driver mechanism and ratchet mechanisms for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scissors mechanism is used to change separation between arms, then the retractor can adjust arm separation, but the capability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into separate functional components: a support member with screw thread, arms with threaded portions, and a driver mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enhancing overall capability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the driver rotates the support member to change the separation between arms continuously. This dynamic capability replaces static or limited-adjustment mechanisms, providing enhanced flexibility in arm positioning.
2Ease of operation
If threaded profiles are used to move arms along the support member, then arm separation can be changed, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A driver acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the threaded adjustment system. The driver converts rotational motion into linear movement of the arms through the screw thread, simplifying the operation required to adjust arm separation while managing the complexity of the threaded mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual manipulation of threaded profiles is replaced by a dedicated driver mechanism that performs the adjustment function. This substitution reduces the direct mechanical interaction complexity with the user while maintaining the precision of threaded adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bridging parts are added to provide retraction in multiple directions, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging parts are designed with universal attachment capabilities to connect between arms at various positions. Each bridging part can engage with multiple arms, providing multi-directional retraction functionality without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each direction, thus managing component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging parts can be positioned and attached in a hierarchical manner, with multiple bridging parts potentially nesting or coordinating their functions. This nesting approach allows multiple bridging parts to work together systematically, reducing the overall complexity compared to independent mechanisms.
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
Provides a stable and adjustable retraction system that enhances the capability and ease of use, enabling precise control over the separation of anatomical parts during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate support member having a screw thread along at least part of its length; a second arm having a second anatomy engaging member depending therefrom and a threaded portion which cooperates with the screw thread to move the second arm along the support member
Implementation Method 2
a first bridging part comprising a first end and a second end, the first bridging part being movable along the first and second arms
Data Source
AI summary
The retractor comprises an elongate support member, first and second arms, and a driver. The elongate support member has a screw thread along at least part of its length. The first arm has a first anatomy engaging member depending therefrom. The second arm has a second anatomy engaging member depending therefrom and a threaded portion which cooperates with the screw thread to move the second arm along the support member. The driver is operable to move the second arm along the support member by cooperation of the threaded portion and the screw thread whereby separation between the first and second arms changes. Each of the elongate support member, the first and second arms, and the first and second anatomy engaging members is formed substantially completely of a plastics material. Each of the first and second anatomy engaging members comprises a blade having an attached end attached to a corresponding arm, and a free end extending from the attached end. Each of the first and second anatomy engaging members is attached releasably to the corresponding arm by an annular snap-fit of the attached end over the corresponding arm.