Surgical Tool Holder with Incremental Retraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical tool holders require multiple devices and supports, increasing equipment assembly and sterilization needs, while reducing the operational space around the patient during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical tool holder with a base portion for releasable mounting to a surgical tool support, an incremental retraction mechanism to draw and hold retractors under tension, and an attachment portion for securing additional tool supports, featuring a pinion and rack system for controlled retraction and a wing nut for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple tool holders and supports are used to hold surgical retractors, then the surgical tools can be securely maintained in fixed positions, but the amount of equipment that needs to be assembled and sterilized increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure maintenance of surgical toolsVSAvoidnumber of tool holders and supports

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool holder assembly that can hold multiple surgical retractors simultaneously. The assembly includes a base portion with multiple arms that can each independently hold a retractor, eliminating the need for multiple separate tool holders and supports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder assembly is designed with universal adaptability to hold different types of surgical retractors. The arms can be adjusted and configured to accommodate various retractor sizes and shapes, making the single assembly capable of performing multiple functions that previously required multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tool holders and supports are positioned over the patient, then surgical retractors can be held in various positions, but the room around the patient for physician operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capability of retractorsVSAvoidoperational space around patient

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple retractor-holding functions into a single compact assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate devices positioned over the patient. This consolidation maintains the ability to hold multiple retractors in various positions while freeing up operational space around the patient for the physician.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate surgical tool holders are used, then each can be optimized for specific retractors, but the equipment assembly and sterilization process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretractor compatibilityVSAvoidassembly and sterilization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple retractor-holding capabilities into a single manufacturable assembly, reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled and sterilized. The design maintains versatility through adjustable arms and configurable elements that can accommodate different retractor types within the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution reduces the number of tools and supports needed, allowing for efficient retraction of patient structures like the ribcage while maintaining stability and minimizing equipment interference, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing sterilization complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The drawing mechanism includes a pinion operably engageable with a rack of the surgical retractor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

In another embodiment, the drawing mechanism also preferably includes a ratchet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet: Ratchet

Implementation Method 3

The base portion comprises a clamping member defining a bore configured and dimensioned to receive, and clamp to, the cylindrical bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the securing member is in threaded association with the post to clamp against the yoke mounted thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS7785254B2Surgical tool holder

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 AUTOMATED MEDICAL PRODUCTS CORP

AI summary

A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing a surgical retractor under tension to a selected position and holding the surgical retractor in the selected position, and a crank member configured to operate the drawing mechanism. The attachment portion includes a post configured for rotatably mounting a yoke of a second surgical tool support, and a securing member operably associated with the post for releasably fixing the second surgical tool support thereto.