Top-Loading Surgical Retract With Lever Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractor devices are complex and invasive, making them difficult to mount and operate in limited space during surgical procedures, which can obstruct the surgical team's workspace.
Innovation Solution
A mountable, top-loading surgical retractor device with a lever-actuated clamping mechanism and a pivotably linked retractor assembly that minimizes protrusion into the surgical workspace, featuring a retractor arm with incremental unidirectional positioning for easy attachment of surgical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing surgical retractor devices are used, then retraction function is provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical retractor device is divided into separate modular components: a mount assembly with clamping jaws for attachment to support frames, and a retractor assembly with the retraction mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies mounting procedures, as the device can be attached to the support frame without complex integration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor arm is designed to be extractable from the retractor assembly through a top-loading interface. This extraction capability allows the retractor arm to be removed and replaced without disturbing the mount assembly or the overall device structure, significantly simplifying operation and tool changes during surgical procedures.
2Area of stationary object
If existing surgical retractor devices are used, then retraction function is provided, but the device protrudes into the surgical workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The mount assembly is designed to attach to support frames that extend vertically from the surgical table, positioning the retractor assembly in a three-dimensional space above the patient rather than extending horizontally into the surgical workspace. This dimensional change allows the retraction function to be performed while minimizing obstruction of the lateral workspace needed by the surgical team.
3Productivity
If existing surgical retractor devices are used, then retraction function is provided, but mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are pre-configured in the mount assembly with alignment features and engagement surfaces that guide the mounting process. The retractor arm includes preliminary alignment features that guide it into the correct position during insertion, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and reducing mounting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism replaces complex multi-step mechanical assembly procedures with a simplified lever-actuated clamping system. The lever mechanism provides mechanical advantage to quickly secure the device to the support frame, and the top-loading interface allows rapid insertion and engagement of the retractor arm without requiring threaded fasteners or multiple fastening steps.
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
The device is quickly and easily mountable, minimally invasive, and facilitates facile operation in crowded surgical environments, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing obstructions during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting assembly has a lever actuated clamping mechanism in mechanical communication with the upper and lower clamping jaws. The clamping mechanism is easily operable to quickly set and release the clamping jaws of the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A mountable, top-loading retractor device that is quickly and easily mountable to a surgical tool support frame. The device has two main sections a mount assembly for attaching to the support frame, and a top-loading retractor assembly pivotably linked to the mount assembly. The mount assembly has opposed upper and lower clamping jaws to a grip a section of the frame when the assembly is operated to set the clamping jaws. The retractor assembly includes a retractor mechanism having a separate arm receivable into the top surface of the retractor assembly and engageable by the retractor mechanism. The arm extends beyond the retractor assembly and is positionable along its length. The distal end of the arm is adapted to attach to a surgical retractor tool, and to apply a force to operate the tool.