Surgical Retractor Dovetail Locking and Nesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors are cumbersome, occupy valuable space, and are difficult to adjust, limiting their applicability and requiring multiple assistants, while also being costly and prone to instability during use.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor with a simplified structure featuring a dovetail groove and thread system for easy adjustment and locking, allowing for independent operation by a single surgeon without affecting the doctor's standing position, utilizing a take-up device with a one-way gear mechanism for reliable retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stayed poles are used to connect drag hooks on the same mounting bracket, then the retraction effect is improved, but the stayed poles stretch out of the surgical bed occupying limited space and affecting doctors' standing position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the stayed poles inside the surgical bed structure. The mounting bracket is fixed to the bed, and the stayed poles are stored within the bed framework, only extending when needed for retraction. This eliminates space occupation while maintaining retraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the stayed poles from a horizontal extension outside the bed to a vertical storage position within the bed structure. By changing the spatial dimension from external horizontal placement to internal vertical storage, the device avoids occupying valuable space beside the surgical bed while preserving the retraction function.
2Area of stationary object
If the positions of retractors are made constant to avoid affecting doctors' standing position, then space occupation is reduced, but the applicability is limited and cannot adapt to various surgical incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal retractor system where the mounting bracket can be positioned at multiple locations on the surgical bed (head, foot, or side). The stayed poles can be adjusted to different angles and positions, allowing the same device to accommodate various surgical incisions (upper abdominal, lower abdominal, chest, back spine) without limiting adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the retractor system. The mounting bracket can be repositioned along the bed, and the stayed poles can be adjusted to different angles and lengths. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to various surgical positions and incision types while maintaining a compact footprint that doesn't interfere with the surgical team's working space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting poker structure is made complex to achieve adjustable height, then the height adjustment capability is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and operation convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the height adjustment mechanism into independent, modular components. The lifting poker is divided into telescopic sections that can be adjusted independently, with each section manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing of individual parts while providing continuous height adjustment capability through the combination of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic telescopic structure for the lifting poker, allowing it to extend and retract to different heights as needed. The telescopic design uses simple guide grooves and locking mechanisms rather than complex articulated joints, reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining full height adjustability to accommodate different surgical positions and patient sizes.
4Measurement precision
If the lock slot width is made narrow to achieve precise locking, then the locking precision is improved, but the operation convenience deteriorates and the lifting pokers shake after being stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism into two distinct functions: a wide lock slot for easy insertion and alignment, and a precise locking surface for secure engagement. The guide groove provides initial alignment with sufficient width for convenient operation, while the locking surfaces provide precise positioning and stable stress distribution, eliminating shaking under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary alignment through the guide groove structure, which pre-position the lifting poker correctly before final locking engagement. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment without requiring precise manual positioning, making operation convenient while achieving secure, shake-free locking through the subsequent engagement of the locking surfaces.
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
Enables efficient and stable retraction of surgical incisions in various positions without occupying additional space, reducing the need for assistants and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining a clean and orderly surgical environment.
Implementation Method 1
one end of the one-way gear column 24 abuts on one end of the spring 25, which always pushes the one-way gear column 24 to the toothed sleeve 23
Implementation Method 2
the upper end of the main post 1 is equipped with an external thread 3... the lock operating lever 11 is equipped with the internal thread 12 matched with the external thread 3
Implementation Method 3
the lower end of the main post 1 is equipped with a half of dovetail groove 2 matched with the surgical bedside... the lower end of the lock sleeve 7 is equipped with the other half of the dovetail groove 8
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A new self-service surgical retractor with the characteristics comprising: main post (1), lock sleeve (7), lock operating lever (11), take-up device lock sleeve (15), take-up device (17) and hook plate (22). The lock sleeve (7) is covered on the lower part of the main post (1) to form a dovetail groove; the lock operating lever (11) is spun on the main post (1) through the thread; the take-up device lock sleeve (15) is spun on the upper part of the main post (1) and locks and fixes the inserted link (18) of the take-up device (17) on the upper end of the main post (1); the take-up device (17) is connected with the hook plate (22) through the retraction tape or rope (21). With simple structure and low cost, the present invention is easy to manufacture and use.