Surgical Adapter Assembly Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical device adapter assemblies lack a reliable locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent rotation of the end effector relative to the actuation assembly, which can lead to uncomfortable operator manipulation and potential misalignment during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a locking mechanism that includes a rotatable housing secured to a base member, featuring a locking member and a button that translates between locked and unlocked positions, allowing selective rotation of the housing relative to the base member, thereby securing the end effector in desired positions and preventing unintended rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking member acts as an intermediary element between the housing and base member to prevent inadvertent rotation. The locking member engages with both components to secure the housing in a fixed rotational position, providing reliability without requiring complex integration of the locking function into the main structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through spring biasing. The spring automatically urges the locking member into engagement with the housing or base member, providing reliable locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The mechanism self-regulates to maintain the locked state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the housing, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: locked and unlocked. When unlocked, the housing is free to rotate for positioning. When locked, the locking member engages to fix the housing in place. This dynamic switching allows the system to provide both ease of operation (free rotation when needed) and stability (fixed position when locked).
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides tactile feedback to the operator through engagement and disengagement of the locking member. This feedback confirms when the housing is securely locked in position, allowing the operator to know when rotation is prevented and when the housing can be freely repositioned, improving ease of operation through clear state indication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking positions are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides multiple discrete radial positions by segmenting the rotational range into specific stop positions. The locking member can engage at different angular positions around the longitudinal axis, allowing the housing to be secured at multiple predetermined orientations without requiring a continuous adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A single locking member design serves multiple functions by being able to engage at different radial positions. The same basic locking mechanism structure provides both the locking function and the multi-position capability, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each position and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly includes a base member, a housing, and a locking mechanism. The base member defines a longitudinal axis. The housing is rotatably secured to the base member and is rotatable in relation to the base member between a plurality of positions. The locking mechanism is supported on the housing and includes a locking member and a button. The locking member is moveable from a locked position in which a lock of the locking member is engaged with the base member to secure the housing in one of the plurality of positions to an unlocked position in which the housing is rotatable in relation to the base member. The button is positioned on the base member and is depressible to translate the locking member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from the locked position to the unlocked position.