Surgical Cutting Tool Coupling With One-Handed Self-Locking Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cutting tool attachment mechanisms require two hands to properly couple and secure cutting tools with cutting instruments, leading to potential misalignment, insecure coupling, and reduced cutting accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool attachment mechanism that allows one-handed coupling and decoupling of cutting tools with cutting instruments, featuring elastically deformable securement members that provide tactile and auditory feedback for proper engagement and prevent backout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional two-handed attachment mechanism is used to couple cutting tools with cutting instruments, then the coupling process can be performed with manual control, but it leads to potential misalignment, insecure coupling, and reduced cutting accuracy while requiring both hands of the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to automatically secure the cutting tool to the cutting instrument through a self-locking feature. When the cutting tool is inserted into the attachment mechanism, it automatically locks into place without requiring manual manipulation or a second hand to secure it, thereby achieving secure coupling through self-service operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual two-handed mechanical coupling system with an automated single-handed mechanism that uses spring-loaded clamps and self-locking features to secure the cutting tool, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with a simplified automated system
2Productivity
If manual manipulation is required to secure the cutting tool in the attachment mechanism, then the operator can control the coupling process, but it increases the time and complexity of the operation while reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components including spring-loaded clamps, self-locking features, and alignment guides that work independently but cooperatively to achieve secure coupling, allowing each component to perform its specific function efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamps are pre-positioned and tensioned before the cutting tool is inserted, and the alignment guides are pre-configured to automatically align the cutting tool with the attachment mechanism, performing necessary actions in advance to simplify and speed up the coupling process
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 ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the securement members are elastically deformed or depressed into a deformed state during initial insertion of the cutting tool into the cutting tool attachment mechanism, and resiliently deform from the deformed state into a locking state upon the cutting tool being fully inserted
Data Source
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 at least one alignment 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.