Surgical Cutting Tool Attachment for One-Handed Secure Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cutting tool attachment mechanisms require two hands to properly couple and secure a cutting tool with a cutting instrument, leading to potential misalignment, insecure coupling, and reduced cutting accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The development of a cutting tool attachment mechanism that allows for one-handed coupling and decoupling of a cutting tool with a cutting instrument, featuring elastically deformable securement members that provide tactile and auditory feedback for proper engagement and prevent backout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional two-handed attachment mechanism is used to couple a cutting tool with a cutting instrument, then the coupling process can be completed, but it increases the risk of misalignment, reduces coupling accuracy, and compromises cutting precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to self-align and self-secure the cutting tool to the cutting instrument. The interlocking features automatically engage when the tool is inserted, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments or secondary hand operations to secure the coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex multi-step mechanical attachment operations with a simplified insertion-based coupling system. The mechanical interlocking features automatically engage through the insertion motion itself, substituting the need for separate manual securing actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism is implemented to prevent backout, then coupling reliability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct interlocking features: a first feature on the cutting tool and a corresponding second feature on the cutting instrument. These segmented features work together to prevent backout while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies specific local geometric features (such as asymmetric profiles or directional engagement surfaces) at critical locations on the attachment interface. These localized quality enhancements provide backout prevention without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If manual manipulation of the cutting tool is required during powered cutting, then cutting flexibility is maintained, but cutting accuracy and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting accuracyVSAvoidcutting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to work universally with both manual and powered cutting instruments. The same interlocking features provide secure coupling regardless of whether the cutting instrument is manually operated or motor-driven, maintaining adaptability while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 secure, accurate, and efficient coupling of cutting tools with cutting instruments using only one hand, reducing the risk of misalignment and backout, and improving overall cutting performance and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the securement members are elastically deformable and are configured to be in a deformed state during initial insertion of the cutting tool into the attachment mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12232739B2Surgical cutting tools and cutting tool attachment mechanisms, and related systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 ZIMMER INC

AI summary

A cutting tool and an attachment mechanism configured to removably securely couple the cutting tool and a cutting instrument together. The cutting tool comprises a tang end portion, a tip end portion, and a cutting edge on the tip end portion. The attachment mechanism comprises a first and second clamping members with first and second engagement surfaces, respectively. The second clamping member further comprises a pair of axially-spaced projections extending and a pair of laterally-spaced projections extending past the second engagement surface. The attachment mechanism further comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to selectively adjust the distance between the first and second engagement surfaces. The tang end portion comprises an axially extending coupling slot and a pair of elastically-deformable securement members at lateral sides that extend laterally outward as they extend axially from the tang end portion toward the tip end portion.