Quick-Load Surgical Connector Ball Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tools for orthopedic procedures face issues with slippage, unintentional rotation, and mechanical play due to inadequate locking mechanisms, which can lead to undesirable surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connector featuring a ball and spring-loaded sleeve mechanism that securely locks onto the drive shaft of orthopedic tools, preventing forward and rearward movement by engaging with an annular groove, accommodating varying shaft diameters, and allowing for quick and secure attachment without additional steps or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a prior art connector contacts a smooth outer diameter of the tool shaft, then the connector can be simple in design, but the tool shaft experiences slippage and mechanical play during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical locking balls that engage with the tool shaft through a curved engagement surface. The spherical geometry of the balls allows them to roll into position and lock securely against the shaft, preventing slippage while maintaining a relatively simple connector structure. The curvature enables the balls to self-center and maintain consistent contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the locking balls and the tool shaft. It provides the necessary force to push the balls against the shaft surface, ensuring reliable engagement without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The sleeve mediates the interaction between the balls and shaft, accommodating variations in shaft diameter while maintaining secure contact.
2Reliability
If a prior art locking mechanism requires activation before insertion, then the locking can be secure, but the connection process becomes complex and requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded sleeve is pre-loaded before insertion, storing elastic potential energy that is automatically released during the connection process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate locking steps, as the spring force is already prepared to engage the locking balls with the shaft upon insertion, achieving both security and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the tool shaft itself to trigger the locking mechanism during insertion. As the shaft is inserted, it automatically positions the locking balls and activates the spring-loaded sleeve, which then secures the connection without requiring external activation. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to initiate the locking action.
3Device complexity
If a prior art connector uses a fixed locking mechanism, then the structure can be simple, but it cannot accommodate drive shafts of differing diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded sleeve provides a dynamic adjustment capability that allows the locking balls to adapt to different shaft diameters. The spring force can vary to accommodate size variations, and the balls can move radially to maintain optimal engagement. This dynamic mechanism maintains a relatively simple overall structure while providing versatility across different shaft sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in the spring compression parameter to accommodate different shaft diameters. As the shaft diameter varies, the spring compression adjusts accordingly, modifying the engagement force and ball position to maintain secure locking. This parameter change allows a single connector design to work with multiple shaft sizes without structural complexity.
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 connector provides a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use connection between orthopedic tools and drive devices, reducing mechanical movement and enhancing precision during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A spring (18) is positioned over the proximal end portion (30) of the connector body (12, 26) such that the spring is in a compressed state when the connector is assembled. The spring (18) selectively applies force to the locking balls (22).
Implementation Method 2
The connector mechanism of the present invention comprises a ball and spring-loaded sleeve mechanism, which engages a groove that circumferentially extends around the drive shaft of a tool. The tool drive shaft is locked into place by a series of locking balls, which are forced into an annular groove of the drive shaft by the spring-loaded sleeve.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical connector designed to connect an orthopedic tool to a handle or motor. The connector includes a locking ball and spring-load sleeve mechanism that compresses a ball into an annular groove of the tool drive shaft, locking the shaft in the connector. The tool drive shaft is released from the connector by applying a force to the housing in a proximal direction. A portion of the housing removes the locking ball from the groove of the tool drive shaft, unlocking the shaft from the connector as the housing travels in a proximal direction.