Surgical Instrument Handle Single-Handed Uncoupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgery can only control one function of the tool head and require two hands to uncouple, making them less ergonomic and more difficult to dismantle.
Innovation Solution
A handle with a movable carriage and a rotatable second actuation element that allows for additional tool head functions and simultaneous uncoupling of the shaft, using a locking ring and trigger device to control the actuation rod and jacket tube with a single hand, enhancing ergonomics and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking means are mounted on distal coupling portion and movable drive carriage to enable uncoupling, then the surgical instrument can be dismantled, but two hands are always needed to release them which reduces ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking mechanisms (one on the distal coupling portion and one on the movable drive carriage) into a single integrated locking system. The rotatable locking element simultaneously controls both locking means, allowing the user to uncouple the shaft from the handle with one hand by rotating a single element rather than manipulating two separate locks with two hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable locking element serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary locking mechanism for the distal coupling portion, the secondary locking mechanism for the movable drive carriage, and simultaneously controls the release of both locking means. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the uncoupling operation to a single rotational motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary wheel is used to actuate the actuation rod, then one function of the tool head can be controlled, but only one function can be controlled which limits versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The movable drive carriage is designed to control multiple functions of the tool head through a single actuation mechanism. By translating the carriage along the longitudinal axis, the system can selectively engage different actuation rods or control different aspects of tool head operation, enabling one handle to control multiple functions rather than requiring separate rotary wheels for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rotary wheel configuration to a dynamic movable carriage configuration. The carriage can be positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis and can selectively engage different locking means, allowing the same actuation mechanism to control multiple functions by changing its position and engagement state rather than requiring multiple fixed actuation elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a surgical instrument, which handle has a carriage designed to move an actuation rod. A second actuation element is arranged adjacent to the first actuation element and is rotatable over the longitudinal axis of the main body. The second actuation element is annular, toward the first actuation element, and carries on its inner circumference a rotationally fixed locking ring. The carriage has a finger which extends, eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body, from a front face of the carriage facing the locking ring. In a locked state, a protuberance on the ring provides an abutment for the carriage. In the release state, the finger is offset with respect to the protuberance, and a range of travel of the carriage is freed.