Surgical Tool Handle Locking Assembly for Wobble-Free Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical tool handles, such as those for osteotomes, lack secure gripping or firm grasping, leading to wobbling and reduced precision during surgical procedures due to play between the tool and the handle.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a locking mechanism comprising a locking ring, collet, and compressible locking pin, which securely engages the surgical tool through a combination of movable parts and camming actions to provide a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional handle design is used for surgical tools, then the structure is simple, but the surgical tool has play relative to the handle resulting in wobbling and reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a handle body, a locking mechanism with movable components, and a surgical tool receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The locking mechanism is separated into distinct elements (locking element, resilient element, cam surface) that work together to eliminate play without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the handle body structure. The surgical tool receptacle is formed within the handle body, and the locking mechanism elements are positioned within this receptacle. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact integrated assembly, achieving precise tool retention without proportionally increasing external complexity.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then control and precision are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element automatically engages with the locking element and cam surface to secure the surgical tool in place. The mechanism is designed to maintain constant contact and pressure through the elastic properties of the resilient element, providing self-regulating secure gripping without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The friction between components further enhances this self-securing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state and position of its components: the locking element moves between engaged and disengaged positions, the resilient element changes its compression state to provide locking force, and the cam surface converts rotational motion into linear locking motion. These parameter changes enable reliable tool retention through simple mechanical means rather than complex electronic or mechanical systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If play is eliminated between tool and handle, then precision is improved, but the friction and resistance to tool insertion may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is pre-compressed or pre-positioned within the locking mechanism before the surgical tool is inserted. This preliminary action ensures that the locking elements are already in position to receive and secure the tool, reducing the force required during insertion. The cam surface is also pre-configured to guide the locking element into its engaged position smoothly as the tool is inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary between the locking element and the surgical tool. It provides a controlled interface that translates the insertion motion into the engagement of the locking mechanism, distributing the insertion force and reducing peak friction. The cam surface geometry is designed to facilitate smooth engagement while maintaining secure locking once the tool is in place.
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 handle assembly eliminates play, enhancing user control and precision by firmly holding the surgical tool, ensuring effective manipulation during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element positioned between the locking element and the cam surface
Implementation Method 2
a cam surface formed on the inner surface of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly is disclosed for firmly holding a surgical tool. The handle assembly comprises a handle and a locking mechanism attached to the handle. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring, a collet, and a compressible locking pin engageable with the locking ring and collet. The locking ring is moveable between first and second positions relative to the handle. The first position is an unlocked position whereby the locking pin is in a decompressed state relative to the locking ring and the collet. In the first position, a surgical tool may be inserted and withdrawn from the collet of the locking mechanism. The second position is a locked position whereby the locking pin is in a compressed state relative to the locking ring and the collet. In the second position, a surgical tool is anchored in the collet of the locking mechanism.