Spring-Loaded Orbital Retract With Movable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orbital retractors for surgical operations in the eye socket are complex to operate and may not provide sufficient surface area for effective retraction, potentially impairing access and stability during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A retractor design featuring at least two movable retraction elements with a spring element that forces them into a retraction position, providing a larger surface area for effective tissue retraction while allowing easy introduction and minimizing external projections, with a handle mechanism for easy activation and a pin-groove system for movement guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional spoon-shaped or spatula-shaped retractors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the surface area for effective retraction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into multiple retraction elements (at least two) that can move relative to each other. These elements are connected through a pivot point, allowing them to be collapsed into a compact configuration for introduction and then fanned out to provide a large effective surface area for retraction, thus resolving the contradiction between surface area and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor employs dynamic retraction elements that can change their configuration from a collapsed state during introduction to an expanded state during retraction. This dynamic transformation allows the device to provide a large surface area when needed while maintaining a simple, compact form during insertion, effectively resolving the contradiction between surface area and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the retraction elements are made movable to increase surface area, then the retraction effectiveness is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor incorporates a spring element that automatically forces the retraction elements into the retraction position with pre-tension, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms. The surgeon simply needs to introduce the device and release the handle, after which the spring mechanism self-activates to fan out the retraction elements, thus improving ease of operation while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual control mechanisms with a spring-based mechanical system that automatically activates the retraction elements. This substitution of a simple spring mechanism for more complex manual adjustment systems improves ease of operation while maintaining acceptable mechanism complexity.
3Reliability
If the retraction elements are forced into retraction position with pre-tension, then the self-holding capability is improved, but the force required for introduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction elements are designed to be nested or collapsed into each other during the introduction phase, creating a compact configuration that minimizes the cross-sectional area. This nesting allows the elements to be introduced with minimal force, and once inside the eye socket, they can be fanned out to provide the necessary self-holding capability through the spring mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between self-holding capability and introduction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction elements transition from a one-dimensional linear arrangement during introduction to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional fanned-out configuration during retraction. This dimensional change allows the elements to be introduced through a small incision with minimal force, then expanded to provide adequate self-holding capability and surface area for effective retraction.
4Reliability
If the cross-section of retraction elements is made larger than the eye socket, then the jamming accommodation is improved, but the ease of introduction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction elements dynamically change their cross-sectional configuration from a collapsed state during introduction to an expanded state during retraction. This dynamic transformation allows the elements to pass through the incision and be accommodated in the eye socket with minimal resistance, then fan out to create the necessary jamming effect for reliable accommodation, resolving the contradiction between jamming accommodation and ease of introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is segmented into multiple movable elements that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for introduction, then fanned out to create a larger effective cross-section for jamming accommodation. This segmentation allows the device to minimize its profile during insertion while maximizing its stabilizing effect once positioned, effectively resolving the contradiction between jamming accommodation and ease of introduction.
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 retractor offers improved ease of use, enhanced surface area for effective tissue retraction, and self-holding capabilities within the eye socket, reducing the need for unnecessary widening and facilitating access for other surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The retractor comprises at least two retraction elements configured in area-covering manner as well as at least one spring element. The retraction elements can be moved relative to one another, between an introduction position having a first surface coverage and a retraction position having a second surface coverage that is smaller than the first surface coverage, where the spring element makes available a pre-tension that forces the retraction elements into the retraction position.
Implementation Method 2
A device for guiding or limiting the movement of the retraction elements can be provided
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor (10) for use in a surgical intervention in the area of an eye socket is described. The retractor (10) comprises two planar retraction elements (26, 28), which are movable relative to each other between an insertion position with a first surface coverage and a retraction position with a second surface coverage AI, which is smaller than the first surface coverage. A spring element (20) provides pretensioning, which presses the retraction elements (26, 28) into the retraction position.