Surgical Tool Release Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reamer handles hinder efficient coupling and uncoupling of acetabular graters during surgery, especially in minimally invasive procedures, due to the distal location of the grater attachment/release mechanism, which complicates tool exchange and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve is designed to relocate the surgical tool attachment and release mechanism from the distal end of the reamer handle to a more accessible position closer to the surgeon's grip, featuring a retractable catch, biasing member, and ergonomic handle portion for easy manual displacement, compatible with both straight and offset reamer handles, and optionally made of lightweight materials like plastic or polymer-coated metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grater attachment/release mechanism is located at the distal end of the reamer handle, then the tool coupling structure is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult access during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is moved from the distal end to the proximal end of the reamer handle, changing the spatial dimension of access. The sleeve extends along the shank to provide remote actuation capability, allowing surgical assistants to activate the mechanism from a safe distance away from the rotating grater.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component that transfers the release mechanism's function from the distal location to the proximal location. It includes a distally located catch contacting portion that interacts with the catch on the shank, enabling remote operation without direct contact with the rotating tool.
2Reliability
If the release mechanism is relocated to the proximal end, then the ease of operation improves with better access and safety, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the sleeve with handle portion, the biasing member, and the catch contacting portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the catch to its engaged position after release, providing self-service functionality. The mechanism uses spring force to maintain the catch in the non-retracted position, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If a telescopic inner tube structure is used in straight-handled reamers, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of inadvertent disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism is designed to engage the inner tube with the outer tube before the tubes are fully assembled. The catch protrudes into the longitudinal slot of the inner tube, preventing inadvertent disassembly during the manufacturing and surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism replicates the locking function found in other surgical instruments, using a proven design that has been successfully applied in similar applications. This copying of proven mechanisms reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining 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
Facilitates efficient and safe coupling and uncoupling of surgical tools, reducing the risk of accidental tool detachment and improving access during minimally invasive surgeries by providing remote actuation and minimizing visual obstruction and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the catch in the non-retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a reamer handle comprising: a shank having a distal tool coupling end adapted to releasably couple to a part of a surgical tool and a proximal end; a retractable catch which is linearly displaceable along the shank between a non-retracted position in which the catch captures the surgical tool within the distal tool coupling end of the tool holder and a retracted position in which the catch enables the tool to be released from the distal tool coupling end; a biasing member configured to bias the catch in the non-retracted position; and a sleeve extending along the shank. The sleeve comprises: a distally located catch contacting portion and a proximally located handle portion for manually displacing the sleeve relative to the shank such that displacement of the catch contacting portion moves the retractable catch between the non-retracted position and the retracted position to enable capture and release of the tool from the tool holder.