Surgical Tool Coupling Mechanism for Adjustable Torque Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tool coupling mechanisms either lack adjustability, leading to insecure longitudinal and rotational alignment, or compromise on torque transmission due to complex designs, making them inefficient for various surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism featuring a sheath with at least three radially positioned coupling elements that move inward to secure a tool-piece both longitudinally and rotationally, utilizing balls and an O-ring for radial inward urging, and a locking ring for secure locking, allowing for multiple longitudinal positions and improved torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a non-adjustable locking mechanism with a single rotational groove and drive dog is used, then strong driving force is provided, but the tool-piece cannot be adjusted along its longitudinal length and requires a more complicated coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a drive dog with multiple flat surfaces for rotational engagement, and multiple rotational grooves at different longitudinal positions on the tool-piece shaft. This segmentation allows the driving force to be transmitted through the drive dog while the tool-piece can be adjusted to different longitudinal positions by engaging different grooves, thus resolving the contradiction between providing strong driving force and enabling longitudinal adjustability.
2Device complexity
If a drive dog mechanism with fewer flat surfaces is used, then the structure is simpler, but it is more difficult to align rotationally as the number of possible alignment positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive dog is designed with multiple flat surfaces (at least three) creating asymmetric engagement positions, while the tool-piece shaft has corresponding rotational grooves positioned to match. This asymmetric design with multiple flat surfaces provides multiple predetermined rotational alignment positions, making alignment easier and more reliable while maintaining structural simplicity. The asymmetric flat surfaces ensure positive engagement at specific orientations.
3Reliability
If a separate groove feature is used to lock the longitudinal location of tool-piece, then the locking function is achieved, but a more complicated coupling mechanism is required with two separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism merges the longitudinal positioning and rotational locking functions into a single integrated system. The drive dog engages with rotational grooves that are positioned at specific longitudinal locations on the tool-piece shaft. By selecting which groove to engage, the longitudinal position is determined simultaneously with the rotational engagement, eliminating the need for separate longitudinal and rotational locking mechanisms and simplifying the overall coupling system while maintaining reliable locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool-piece and a coupling mechanism for a surgical tool-piece are provided. The surgical tool-piece is configured to be driving by a driving mechanism. The surgical tool-piece comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis running from a distal end of the shaft to a coupling portion at a proximal end of the shaft. The coupling portion comprises a driving section comprising at least three indentations located around the circumference of the coupling portion, each indentation being configured to receive a corresponding driving element of the driving mechanism to secure the tool-piece both longitudinally and rotationally.