Surgical Tool Handle Locking Assembly for Wobble-Free Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical tool handles, such as those for osteotomes, often lack secure gripping, resulting in wobbling and reduced control during surgical procedures due to inadequate connection 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 tapered receiving cavity, using a deformable collet and compressible locking pin made from materials like nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene, to provide a stable and precise grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional handle design is used, then the structure is simple, but the surgical tool has too much play and is not securely gripped
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a handle body, a locking mechanism with locking ring and cam, and a collet system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing secure tool retention without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet is nested within the handle body and receives the surgical tool, while the locking mechanism is integrated into the handle structure. This nested arrangement provides a compact design that secures the tool firmly without requiring a bulky or overly complex external structure.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism components are made from compressible materials like nylon or PTFE, then the grip on the surgical tool is more secure, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and collet are made from compressible materials such as nylon or PTFE instead of rigid metals. This material parameter change allows the components to deform and conform to the surgical tool, creating a secure grip through compression and friction while remaining manufacturable through standard molding or machining processes.
3Ease of operation
If the locking ring is made moveable between positions, then the locking and unlocking of the surgical tool is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be moveable between a first position (where the cam engages the locking pin to secure the tool) and a second position (where the cam disengages to release the tool). This dynamic design allows easy locking and unlocking operations while using a simple cam-based mechanism rather than a complex multi-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam on the locking ring automatically engages with the locking pin when the ring is moved to the first position, creating the locked state without requiring additional actuation. Similarly, moving the ring to the second position automatically releases the lock. The mechanism serves itself through the geometric interaction of the cam and locking pin.
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 tool play, enhancing user control and precision during surgical procedures by ensuring a firm and secure attachment of the surgical tool, thereby improving the effectiveness of the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible locking pin engageable with the locking ring and collet. The compressible locking pin includes at least one of nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyetherimide, or glass.
Implementation Method 2
The compressible locking pin includes at least one of nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyetherimide, or glass.
Implementation Method 3
the collet is mounted within the handle and includes a flexible portion moveable between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 4
the locking mechanism includes a cam for camming against the locking pin
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.