Ergonomic Surgical Handle Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instrument handles with locking mechanisms are ergonomically challenging, leading to unwanted movement due to unnatural finger movements required to activate or release the locking mechanism, particularly in tubular shaft instruments where distance from the handle to the jaw part causes significant unintended twisting.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument handle design featuring a first handle element with an index finger rest and palm rest, a second articulated grip element with additional finger rests, and a rotatable locking element that allows ergonomic operation by moving the thumb downwards or upwards to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, preventing ratcheting during opening and closing, and incorporating a leaf spring for automatic opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is incorporated into pistol grip handles, then the jaw position can be secured and held without continuous user input, but the mechanism requires unnatural finger movements that lead to unintended instrument movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is inverted so that the thumb rest extends on both sides of the longitudinal axis, allowing the thumb to operate the locking mechanism while the index finger and other fingers maintain a natural gripping position. This inversion of the operational interface resolves the contradiction by separating the locking function from the gripping function, enabling reliable jaw position holding without compromising ergonomic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first handle element with index finger rest and palm rest for secure gripping, and the second handle element with additional finger rests for natural finger positioning. The locking element with thumb rest is separated as an independent operational component, allowing each segment to perform its specific function without interfering with others, thus achieving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the thumb rest is positioned above the bridge, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the instrument handle becomes less stable and more prone to unwanted twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb rest is inverted to extend on both sides of the longitudinal axis rather than being positioned above the bridge. This inversion repositions the operational interface to a location that does not compromise handle stability, allowing the thumb to operate the locking mechanism while the instrument remains stable and resistant to unwanted twisting during use.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is designed with a thumb rest extending on both sides of the longitudinal axis, then ergonomic operation is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb rest extending on both sides of the longitudinal axis serves multiple functions: it provides ergonomic operation for the locking mechanism, maintains handle stability, and allows the instrument to be used by both right-handed and left-handed users. This multi-functionality justifies the structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate handle designs for different user preferences.
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 provides secure and precise control with reduced unwanted twisting, allowing for easy grasping and precise positioning, as the locking mechanism can be operated without opposing finger movements, ensuring the instrument remains stable and easy to manage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, in particular a leaf spring, is arranged between the first handle element and the second handle element, which is adapted to force the handle elements into an open position
Implementation Method 2
The first and second locking members are designed to work together to prevent an increase in the distance between the palm rest on the first handle element and the at least one additional finger rest on the second handle element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a surgical instrument handle for a surgical instrument, comprising a first handle element (10), which can be rigidly connected to one of a shaft component (1) and an actuating element (2) of a surgical instrument, wherein an index-finger rest (11) and a ball-of-the-thumb rest (12) are formed on the first handle element (10), and a second handle element (20), which is articulated to the first handle element (10) and can be coupled to the other of the shaft component (1) and the actuating element (2) of the surgical instrument, wherein at least one further finger rest (21, 22, 23; 21A, 23A) is formed on the second handle element (20). A locking element (30) is rotatably attached to the first handle element (10), wherein the locking element (30) has an actuation segment (32, 32A) and a first locking member (35). A second locking member (25) is provided on the second handle element (20), and the first locking member (35) is elastically preloaded toward the second locking member (25). The first and second locking members (25, 35) are adapted to interact in order to prevent an increase in the distance between the ball-of-the-thumb rest (12) on the first handle element (10) and the at least one further finger rest (21, 22, 23; 21A, 23A) on the second handle element (20), and the actuation segment (32, 32A) has a thumb rest (33, 33A), which is adapted to support the thumb of a user substantially from below. The present invention further relates to a surgical instrument having such a handle.