Universal Surgical Handpiece With Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical tool arrangements require separate systems and control units for different surgical procedures, leading to increased costs and complexity for surgeons, as well as the need for multiple tools during endoscopic surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A universal handpiece with a locking mechanism and integrated electrical contact arrangements that can accommodate various surgical instruments, including electrosurgical and mechanical cutting tools, allowing for multiple functions to be performed with a single handpiece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate systems and control units are used for different surgical procedures, then each procedure can be performed with dedicated tools, but the number of tools needed increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedure-specific performanceVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handpiece is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of surgical instruments (electrosurgical tools, mechanical cutting tools, etc.). The electrical contact arrangement includes multiple contact members that can selectively engage with corresponding contacts on different instrument hubs, enabling a single handpiece to perform multiple surgical functions through tool interchangeability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple surgical tools are used for different procedures, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical system is segmented into modular components: a universal handpiece, interchangeable instruments, and separable hub assemblies. Each instrument can be independently designed and optimized for specific functions (electrosurgery, cutting, etc.), while the standardized handpiece interface allows them to be integrated into a unified system, reducing overall complexity through modularity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a universal handpiece accommodates multiple instrument types, then the number of tools needed decreases, but ensuring reliable electrical contact for different functions becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of toolsVSAvoidelectrical contact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hub assembly serves as an intermediary component between the handpiece and various surgical instruments. It contains electrical contacts that match the specific requirements of different instrument types (electrosurgical contacts, mechanical contacts, etc.), ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connection while allowing the universal handpiece to interface with specialized tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2400896B1Surgical tool arrangement having a handpiece usable with multiple surgical tools
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 STRYKER CORP
  • EP2400896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2400896B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2400896B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surgical tool arrangement including a handpiece which is capable of accepting and operating a number of different surgical tools or instruments adapted for use with the handpiece, each having one or multiple functions. The handpiece incorporates a coupling arrangement located at a distal end thereof which serves to attach the desired surgical instrument to the handpiece via a locking mechanism, and also provides an electrical contact arrangement to support the functioning of an electrosurgical probe as well as a combined mechanical cutting and electrosurgical tool. Additionally, the handpiece accepts a conventional cutter which only requires power for driving a movable cutting element.