Surgical Instrument Joint System and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical instruments used in minimally invasive surgeries occupy space, reducing the surgeon's field of vision and requiring both hands to operate, which can lead to accidental reopening of occluded blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a one-handed operable locking system and a joint system that allows the actuating device to be pivoted out of the field of view without releasing the grip, featuring a movable bolt for secure one-handed operation and a ratchet system to prevent accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical instruments are used in minimally invasive surgery, then the surgeon can perform surgical interventions, but the instruments occupy space in the surgical opening, reducing the surgeon's field of vision and making the operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into separate functional components: a gripping device with gripping elements for occluding body parts, an instrument shaft, and an actuating device with handle elements. This segmentation allows the gripping device to be positioned at the distal end while the actuating device can be maneuvered independently, reducing obstruction of the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint system enables the actuating device to be rotated out of the plane of the surgical field into a different spatial dimension. This allows the surgeon to maintain a clear field of vision while keeping the instrument functional, as the actuating device can be positioned out of the direct line of sight without interfering with the surgical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the locking system is disengaged to pivot the actuating end out of the field of view, then the surgeon has better visibility, but the gripping device may accidentally release its grip on the occluded body part
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to lock the handle elements in place before the surgeon pivots the actuating device out of the field of view. This preliminary locking action ensures that the gripping device maintains its grip on the occluded body part throughout the pivoting motion, preventing accidental release while allowing the surgeon to achieve better visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system provides mechanical feedback to confirm when the handle elements are securely locked. This feedback mechanism ensures the surgeon knows the gripping device is secured before maneuvering the instrument, creating a reliable sequence that prevents accidental release while enabling improved field of view.
3Reliability
If the locking system requires both hands to operate, then the surgeon can control the instrument, but one hand is needed to hold the instrument and the other hand is required to disengage the locking system
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is integrated into the handle elements of the actuating device, combining the locking function with the existing hand grip structure. This integration allows the surgeon to operate the locking system using the same hand that holds the instrument, eliminating the need for a second hand and enabling one-handed operation while maintaining instrument control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument is provided that may be used to occlude organic body parts during surgery. The surgical instrument is generally composed of an actuating device, a gripping device, and a joint system. The surgical instrument may be rotated about the joint system such that the actuating device can be pivoted out of the operating field during use. The actuating device can be used to transmit a pivoting movement and an actuating movement that operates the gripping device. The gripping device is constructed of gripping elements that can occlude organic body parts. The surgical instrument also includes a locking system that can prevent the rotation of the surgical instrument about the joint system. The locking system may also prevent the operation of the actuating device when the surgical instrument is pivoted about the joint system.