Ultrasonic Handset Control Lever and Cooling Duct Design
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic handsets for bone cement removal and osteotomy operations face challenges with difficult handling due to awkward grip design, activation button placement, and limited reconfigurability, which complicates surgical procedures and increases the risk of bone damage.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic handset features a cylindrical body with a control lever that activates the ultrasound generating means through a Hall effect sensor or pushbutton mechanism, a removable cooling duct system, and a gripping system that can be converted for different operations, enhancing ergonomic handling and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the activation pushbutton is placed on the handle extending along the longitudinal axis, then the surgeon can perform specific movements, but it becomes difficult to keep the pushbutton pressed during operation and complicates sealing for sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The activation pushbutton is extracted from the handle and relocated to the pistol grip portion. This separation allows the handle to focus on sealing and sterilization functions while the pushbutton is positioned in an area that is more accessible and easier to press during surgical operations, resolving the conflict between operational ease and sealing reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handset has a fixed structure, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot be easily reconfigured for different types of operations
Solution Approach 1:
The handset is divided into modular components including the pistol grip portion, handle, and tool portion that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables easy reconfiguration for different surgical operations while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design, balancing adaptability with manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handset incorporates dynamic elements such as the movable control lever and interchangeable tool portions that allow the device to adapt its configuration during use. These dynamic features enable reconfiguration without requiring complex permanent structural changes, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving versatility.
3Ease of repair
If the cooling duct is internal, then the design is more compact, but it becomes difficult to access and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling duct is designed to extend through the handle in a nested manner, passing through internal passages while maintaining accessibility through the external structure. This allows the duct to be compact within the handset volume while still being accessible for maintenance through designated access points, balancing compactness with serviceability.
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 design simplifies and improves the operational efficiency of the ultrasonic handset, allowing easier activation and reconfiguration, reducing manual effort, and enhancing safety by providing better grip stability and adaptability for various surgical tasks.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound generating means comprising at least one piezoelectric transducer
Implementation Method 2
the triggering element may comprise a Hall effect sensor and a magnet arranged on the control lever
Data Source
AI summary
A handset for an ultrasonic device for bone cement removal and/or osteotomy operations comprises a handset body which encloses ultrasound generating means including at least one piezoelectric transducer and a horn, connection means configured to connect the handset to a tool to which the ultrasounds generated by the ultrasound generating means are transmitted, a duct for circulation of a cooling medium, the duct extending at least partially on the outside of the handset, a triggering element whose activation causes the activation of the ultrasound generating means, and a control lever coupled to the handset body at a connection point, the control lever being configured to activate the triggering element by means of its movement about the connection point.