Surgical Tool Handle Locking Mechanism with Cam and Ramp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable handles for orthopedic surgical tools often fail to provide a secure fit, leading to loose coupling and impaired control during surgical procedures, which is particularly problematic in minimally invasive surgeries where precise handling of prosthetic implants is required.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool handle assembly featuring a linking mechanism with a lever and translation bar joined by a spring, and a locking mechanism with a ramp feature and cam, which creates a locking moment to securely engage the tool with the handle, providing a mechanical advantage and control over the locking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable handle design is used to facilitate tool cleaning and positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loose coupling and impaired control
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The spring-loaded cam and ramp feature create a movable locking system that provides secure attachment during use (locked state) and allows easy detachment when needed (unlocked state), thus achieving both reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes the mechanical parameters of the connection by using a cam that rotates to alter the engagement force between the tool and handle. The spring force and cam angle parameters are optimized to provide sufficient locking force during surgery while allowing controlled release for cleaning and repositioning
2Device complexity
If a simple detachable handle design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to failure to achieve tight fit
Solution Approach 1:
The cam acts as an intermediary element between the simple lever actuator and the tool-locking function. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the user's input force and transforms it into a strong locking force, providing reliable attachment without requiring a complex multi-component system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a cam-based locking mechanism that uses geometric principles and spring force to achieve reliable attachment. The ramp feature and cam geometry substitute for multiple screws or clips, providing both simplicity and reliability
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 handle assembly ensures a secure and controlled attachment of surgical tools, enhancing precision and stability during orthopedic procedures, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries, by providing a strong locking mechanism that maintains tool position and facilitates easy disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
The linking mechanism can include a lever and a translation bar joined in a linking arrangement by a spring
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism can include a ramp feature, which can be formed as part of the frame and that includes a track, a part of which can define a ramp surface, and a cam that can engage the ramp surface
Implementation Method 3
The ramp feature and cam can be disposed adjacent the tool receiving channel
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool handle assembly can include a handle body and a tool locking mechanism. The handle body can have a tool receiving end for receiving a mating end of a surgical tool. The tool locking mechanism can be configured to securely engage the surgical tool mating end, thereby locking the surgical tool to the handle. The locking mechanism can include a ramp feature, a locking cam, and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism can be configured to actuate the cam to engage the ramp feature as the cam engages the tool mating end to lock the tool to the handle. A surgical kit and a method of locking a surgical tool to a tool handle are also disclosed.