Surgical Handpiece Handswitch Lever Assembly for Ergonomic Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handswitches for powered surgical handpieces lack ergonomic optimization, making them difficult to install and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A handswitch design featuring a mounting base with a pivot axis, an elongated lever, a spring, a run-safe switch, and a lever extension, with tracks and detents for precise alignment and operation, enhancing ease of installation and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handswitch designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of installation and operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The handswitch is divided into modular components including a mounting base, lever assembly, trigger mechanism, and housing. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, facilitating easier installation while maintaining functional integration. The segmentation allows for standardized interfaces that simplify the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The handswitch incorporates movable components such as the pivotable lever, sliding trigger, and adjustable fingers that enable dynamic operation. These dynamic elements provide ergonomic flexibility and intuitive control during surgical procedures, significantly improving ease of operation without requiring complex external mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If ergonomic optimization is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated assemblies. The lever assembly combines the pivot mechanism, trigger linkage, and finger rest into a single coordinated unit. The mounting base integrates alignment features, retention mechanisms, and structural support. This merging reduces the number of separate components while achieving ergonomic optimization through coordinated movement of integrated elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handswitch design incorporates self-aligning features and automatic positioning mechanisms that reduce the need for precise manual adjustment during installation. The ergonomic geometry of the lever and trigger automatically positions itself for optimal operation, and the retention mechanism self-secures the assembly without additional fastening steps, thereby improving ergonomics without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 design improves the convenience and efficiency of installing and operating the handswitch, providing a secure and intuitive interface for surgical tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (66) between the base and the lever, biasing the lever about the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is centered along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The actuator assembly includes a lever and an actuator. The lever maintains a magnet slidably positionable along the lever. The magnet is positionable to be proximal to the sensors.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A handswitch (50) for a powered surgical handpiece (54) comprises a mounting base (62), a lever (70), a spring, a run-safe switch (68) and a lever extension. The mounting base defines a pivot axis. The elongated lever defines a lever axis substantially normal to a direction of the pivot axis. The lever includes a proximal end pivotably connected to the mounting base at the pivot axis and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The first track is on an inner side of the lever. The second track is on an outer side of the lever opposite the inner side, with both tracks substantially parallel to the lever axis. The spring is between the base and the lever and biases the lever about the pivot axis. The run-safe switch is slidably disposed on the first track. The lever extension is slidably disposed on the second track.