Surgical Instrument Connector with Cable-Driven Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instrument connectors lack the ability to efficiently and securely attach and detach surgical access devices to supports while allowing for adjustable positioning and locking, which is crucial for maintaining stability and flexibility during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a handle mechanism that adjusts tension on actuation wires to lock and unlock attachment features, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure attachment of surgical access devices to supports, featuring nested segments and attachment features like ring clamps and jaw clamps for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector allows adjustable positioning of surgical access devices relative to supports, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but stability and security of attachment may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between unlocked and locked states. In the unlocked state, the attachment feature allows adjustable positioning of the surgical access device. When locked, the mechanism secures the device in place, preventing movement. This dynamic state change enables the connector to provide both adjustability and stability as needed during surgical procedures.
2Reliability
If a connector provides secure attachment of surgical instruments, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for attaching and detaching may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a cable-driven system. When the cable is tensioned, it automatically triggers the locking action that secures the surgical access device to the support. Conversely, releasing cable tension automatically unlocks the mechanism, allowing easy detachment. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex manual locking operations while maintaining secure attachment.
3Productivity
If a connector allows quick repositioning during surgery, then productivity is improved, but manual effort and disruption to surgical flow may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with a cable-driven actuation system. The cable can be tensioned or relaxed to quickly transition the connector between locked and unlocked states, enabling rapid repositioning of surgical access devices. This substitution reduces the manual effort required compared to conventional mechanical systems and minimizes disruption to surgical workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors for connecting or linking one instrument or object to one or more other instruments or objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a first arm with a first attachment feature for attaching to a first object, such as a surgical access device, and a second arm with a second attachment feature for attaching to a second object, such as a support. The connector can have an unlocked state, in which the position and orientation of the access device can be adjusted relative to the support, and a locked state in which movement of the access device relative to the support is prevented or limited. Locking the connector can also be effective to clamp or otherwise attach the connector to the access device and the support, or said attachment can be independent of the locking of the connector.