Surgical Tool Handle Locking Assembly to Eliminate Tool Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical tool handles, such as those for osteotomes, lack secure gripping or firm grasping, leading to tool 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 secures the surgical tool through a movable locking ring and deformable collet, using materials like nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, to provide a stable connection.
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 play and wobbles during use
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure is divided into multiple functional segments: a receiving cavity for the tool, a locking mechanism with movable components, and a securing system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and eliminating tool play.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable components including a locking ring that can move between locked and unlocked positions, and a deformable collet that dynamically adjusts to secure the tool. This dynamic design enables secure tool retention while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a simple handle structure is used, then manufacturing is easy, but the tool connection is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the handle structure. The locking ring moves within the receiving cavity, the collet is positioned inside the locking mechanism, and the securing system is integrated within these components. This nesting approach secures the tool firmly while keeping the overall assembly compact and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable collet automatically secures the surgical tool when the locking ring is moved to the locked position. The locking mechanism is designed to self-secure the tool without requiring additional manual intervention or complex assembly steps, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring secure connection.
3Manufacturing precision
If play exists between tool and handle, then the structure is simpler, but precision and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies localized securing forces at specific points where the tool contacts the handle. The deformable collet provides localized grip on the tool shaft, and the locking ring provides localized constraint at the tool-handle interface. This localized quality approach eliminates play and ensures surgical precision without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire handle structure.
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 surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible locking pin is between the locking ring and the collet
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.