Surgical Power Adapter Locking Mechanism for Fast Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of separate rotary tools for various surgical instruments during an operation is expensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter with a locking mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment to and from surgical instruments, featuring a dowel pin movable between positions within a slot, a sliding grip, and a biasing member to secure and release working tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate rotary tools are used for each surgical instrument, then each instrument can be powered reliably, but the cost and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple surgical instruments through a single unit. The adapter shaft with slot and dowel pin mechanism allows one power adapter to securely hold and power different working tools, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated rotary tools while maintaining reliable power delivery to each instrument
2Productivity
If a single power adapter is used for multiple instruments, then cost and time are reduced, but the complexity of the adapter mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the adapter shaft with slot, the movable dowel pin, and the biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (positioning, locking, releasing) while keeping the overall design relatively simple and maintainable, balancing productivity gains with acceptable complexity
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with movable dowel pin is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically moves the dowel pin between locked and unlocked positions based on the attachment state of the working tool. When a tool is attached, the biasing member pushes the dowel pin into the slot to lock it securely; when detached, the spring returns the dowel pin to its initial position. This self-service mechanism achieves reliable locking without requiring complex control systems or additional actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter includes an adapter shaft having a first end for coupling to a rotary tool and a second end configured to be coupled to a working tool. Additionally, the second end includes a slot. The power adapter also includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled to the second end of the adapter shaft. The locking mechanism includes a dowel pin movable between a first position and a second position within the slot.