Surgical Drill Locking Mechanism for Secure Burr Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical drilling instruments face difficulties in efficiently and quickly changing cutting burrs, particularly during procedures where burrs have limited usage and frequent replacement is necessary, leading to inefficiencies in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates diamond-shaped portions on the cutting burr that mate with a locking pawl and detent pawl in the locking mechanism, providing secure axial locking and easy insertion/removal, with centrifugal force enhancing the locking mechanism's effectiveness and alerting users to incompatible burrs through vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional lever-based locking mechanism is used, then the cutting burr can be securely locked in place, but the process of inserting and removing the cutting burr becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking pawl with toothed engagement surfaces, a detent pawl with spring-loaded operation, and a collar for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick burr changes without complex multi-step procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The detent pawl is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the toothed surface of the locking pawl when the collar is rotated. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual alignment and reduces the time required for burr insertion and removal
2Productivity
If the locking mechanism allows easy removal of the cutting burr, then burr changes can be performed quickly, but the cutting burr may inadvertently fall out during use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states through rotation of the collar. During normal operation, the mechanism remains in a stable locked state where both the locking pawl and detent pawl engage the cutting burr. The dynamic nature of the mechanism allows quick state changes for burr replacement while maintaining secure retention during use
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent pawl provides a pre-positioned safety engagement that cushions against inadvertent disengagement. The spring force ensures the detent pawl remains engaged with the toothed surface during normal operation, providing redundant security against accidental burr drop-out while allowing intentional quick release when needed
3Loss of time
If a quick release mechanism is used, then cutting burr changes can be performed rapidly, but the mechanism becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and detent functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism actuated by one collar. The locking pawl and detent pawl work together as a unified system where rotation of the collar simultaneously controls both engagement and disengagement actions, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuator for releasing the locking pawl, the actuator for releasing the detent pawl, and the interface for manual operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the user interface while enabling rapid burr changes
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
This design ensures secure attachment and easy handling of cutting burrs, reducing axial movement and vibration during use, thereby improving the efficiency and ease of burr changes, enhancing surgical precision and procedure timeliness.
Implementation Method 1
the locking pawl may include an increased mass portion at an end opposite of an engagement end of the locking pawl that contacts the axially disposed diamond-shaped portion. During use, a centrifugal force is applied to the mass end causing the locking pawl to pivot and apply greater pressure on the axially disposed diamond-shaped portion of the cutting burr
Implementation Method 2
insertion of a cutting burr having a different design will cause the surgical drilling instrument to vibrate, thus alerting the user that the wrong or incompatible cutting burr is being used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
A surgical apparatus having a locking mechanism that receives a cutting burr and that may include a loading and running position. The locking mechanism may include a motor driven spindle that carries a locking pawl and a detent pawl that lock the cutting burr in place an prevent the cutting burr from inadvertently falling out of the surgical drill instrument when in its load position. A diamond-shaped portion of the cutting burr may be formed in a six-sided diamond configuration and a perpendicular back end surface. The end of the cutting burr may include another diamond-shaped portion formed in a six-sided diamond shape surface that mates with a complementary surface formed in the receiving end of the spindle of the motor/locking mechanism. In an aspect, the attachment of the cutting burr is such that the cutting burr has substantially zero axial movement and runs true in the running condition.