Sleeve-Locked Tool Actuation Connector for Rapid Surgical Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tools require complex and cumbersome mechanisms for tool exchange during operations, necessitating multiple motions and movements that disrupt the surgical workflow and increase the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A tool actuation connector with a latching spring, inner and outer sleeves, and a combination of longitudinal and rotational lock interfaces, allowing for seamless tool exchange within the surgical field by enabling simple and efficient coupling and uncoupling of tools within a tool guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms with multiple motions are used for tool exchange, then tool coupling reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional sleeves: an inner sleeve for longitudinal locking and an outer sleeve for rotational locking. This segmentation allows each sleeve to perform a specific locking function independently, achieving reliable tool coupling through simpler, dedicated mechanisms rather than a single complex mechanism performing multiple functions.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms with multiple motions are used for tool exchange, then tool coupling reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent sleeve operations: longitudinal movement of the inner sleeve and rotational movement of the outer sleeve. This segmentation simplifies the operation sequence and makes each step easier to perform while maintaining reliable coupling through the combined action of both sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve is nested within the outer sleeve, with the inner sleeve performing longitudinal locking and the outer sleeve performing rotational locking. This nested configuration allows both locking functions to be integrated in a compact structure while maintaining independent operability, improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If repeated insertion and withdrawal of tools is performed, then tool versatility is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector maintains a ready-state configuration where the latching spring and sleeves are pre-positioned to enable rapid tool exchange. The spring-loaded hooks are preliminarily prepared to engage with tool features, allowing tools to be exchanged quickly without repeated insertion and withdrawal, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of operation
If simple coupling mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but coupling reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve and outer sleeve are nested concentrically, with the inner sleeve providing longitudinal locking and the outer sleeve providing rotational locking. This nested design allows two independent locking mechanisms to work together in a compact configuration, achieving reliable coupling while maintaining ease of operation through simple sleeve movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching spring provides dynamic engagement force, automatically adjusting to maintain secure coupling between the connector and tool. The spring-loaded hooks dynamically engage with the tool's longitudinal and rotational features, ensuring reliable coupling without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation.
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
Facilitates rapid and contamination-free tool changes within the surgical environment, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for repeated insertion and withdrawal of tools from the body cavity.
Implementation Method 1
The latching spring includes a plurality of spring hooks, for coupling with the tool activation interface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B1~1B6
Figure 1C
AI summary
A tool actuation connector, which includes a tool activation interface, a longitudinal lock interface and a rotation lock interface. The tool actuation connector includes a latching spring, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The latching spring includes a plurality of spring hooks, for coupling with the tool activation interface. The inner sleeve is operable to longitudinally move relative to said latching spring. The inner sleeve couples the latching spring to the activation interface when said inner sleeve is located over said latching spring and releases the latching spring from the activation interface when the inner sleeve moves away from the latching spring toward the proximal direction. The outer sleeve is rotationally locked with the inner sleeve and is operable to longitudinally move relative to the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is further operable to rotationally lock with said tool via said rotation lock interface.