Tissue Retractor With Two-Way Overrunning Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue retractors in spinal fusion surgery require multiple tools and limited adjustment mechanisms that necessitate input torque, making them cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in time-sensitive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retractor system utilizing a two-way overrunning clutch mechanism with a central body and rotatably coupled arms, allowing for infinite adjustment and operation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with zero backlash, using a single tool and no additional input torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple tools and adjustment mechanisms are used, then the tissue retractor can achieve precise adjustment, but the device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated mechanism. The tissue retractor uses one tool that can simultaneously adjust multiple arms through a unified mechanical system, eliminating the need for separate tools for each adjustment point. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining adjustment precision through the coordinated design of the mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tool designed in the patent serves multiple functions: it can adjust different arms, set various angles, and lock positions all through one instrument. This multi-functional tool replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized tools, simplifying the overall system while preserving precise adjustment capabilities across all degrees of freedom.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tools and adjustment mechanisms are used, then the tissue retractor can achieve precise adjustment, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple adjustment functions into a single tool and mechanism, the surgeon can perform all necessary adjustments in one continuous operation rather than switching between multiple tools. This significantly reduces the time required for setup and adjustment while maintaining precise control over the retractor's configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to allow preliminary positioning and adjustment before final locking. The single tool enables the surgeon to quickly explore different configurations and make adjustments in advance, then secure the final position efficiently, reducing overall operation time while ensuring precise final placement.
3Ease of operation
If input torque is required for operation, then the adjustment mechanisms can be controlled, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical mechanism is designed to be self-locking through its inherent geometry and friction characteristics. Once the single tool is used to position the arms, the mechanism maintains the position without requiring continuous application of torque or additional locking actions. The system serves itself by automatically holding the adjusted position, eliminating the need for sustained force input.
4Adaptability or versatility
If limited adjustment mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue retractor employs dynamically adjustable mechanisms that allow continuous variation of arm angles and positions. The single tool enables smooth, incremental adjustments across a wide range of motions, transforming a potentially static or limited mechanism into a dynamically adaptable system that can accommodate various surgical configurations without increasing complexity.
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 efficient and precise tissue retraction with reduced complexity and time, improving surgical efficiency by simplifying the adjustment process and eliminating the need for multiple tools and torque input.
Implementation Method 1
a posterior housing slidably coupled to the central body via a first two way overrunning clutch
Implementation Method 2
a right arm rotatably coupled to the central body via a hinge pin and third two way overrunning clutch
Implementation Method 3
fourth two way overrunning clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue retractor having a central body, a posterior housing slidably coupled to the central body via a first two way overrunning clutch, a posterior arm slidably coupled to the posterior housing via a second two way overrunning clutch, a right arm rotatably coupled to the central body via a hinge pin and third two way overrunning clutch and a left arm rotatably coupled to the central body via a hinge pin and fourth two way overrunning clutch.