Quick-Connect Surgical Tool Tracker Alignment Without Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection between surgical tools and tracker devices in computer-assisted surgery is often unstable, leading to precision issues due to play and detachment, which affects the accuracy of tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect system with a receptacle and latch mechanism ensures precise alignment and connection between surgical tools and tracker devices, using complementary features and actuator displacement for secure engagement and disengagement, allowing for automatic calibration and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If detachable trackers are attached to surgical tools to simplify tool design and reduce inventory costs, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but connection stability and tracking precision deteriorate due to play and potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is divided into modular components: a reusable handle assembly and detachable working ends. The quick connect system further segments the tracker device as a separate attachable component, allowing independent optimization of each part while maintaining overall system functionality through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker device is nested within a receptacle on the surgical tool handle, with the tracker body fitting inside the receptacle cavity. The connection assembly including latch mechanism and actuator are integrated within the receptacle structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that maintains stability while allowing easy attachment and detachment
2Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used for detachable trackers, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface employs asymmetric complementary features: a keyway on the working end that mates with a corresponding slot on the receptacle, and a cam surface on the actuator that engages with a latch surface. This asymmetric design provides automatic self-alignment during attachment while maintaining precise positional relationship between the tracker and tool
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is pre-configured with the latch mechanism and actuator in specific positions before the working end is attached. The complementary alignment features are pre-positioned on both the receptacle and working end, ensuring that when the working end is inserted, the components automatically align to the correct positions without requiring additional adjustment steps
3Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented to prevent detachment, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism and actuator are merged into a single integrated assembly that forms part of the receptacle structure. The actuator serves dual functions: it cams the latch open during attachment and provides the locking action to secure the working end. This merging reduces the number of separate components compared to traditional multi-part locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect system is designed to be self-actuating during the attachment process. As the working end is inserted into the receptacle, the actuator is automatically pushed forward, which in turn cams the latch open and allows the connection to engage. The system uses the insertion motion itself to trigger the latching sequence, eliminating the need for separate manual latching operations
4Reliability
If a complex actuator mechanism is used for precise control of tongue displacement, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates in distinct periodic phases: during attachment, it moves forward in a camming motion to open the latch and allow engagement, then locks in place to secure the connection. During detachment, it reverses the motion to release the latch. This periodic action pattern provides reliable control while keeping each phase quick and efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed as a dynamic component that can quickly transition between positions. The cam surface on the actuator provides a progressive mechanical advantage during the latching sequence, allowing smooth and controlled displacement of the latch tongue. The spring-loaded nature of the actuator enables rapid response to insertion forces while maintaining secure locked positions
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool assembly may include a first component, a second component, a tracker device connected at least to the first component. A quick connect system for releasably connecting the first component to the second component, the quick connect system including a male and female engagement, a latch mechanism for latching the first component to the second component. Complementary features are on the first component and on the second component to ensure a planned positional alignment between the first component and the second component upon latching of the male and female engagement, for tracking of the second component with the tracker device.