Worm Gear-Worm Retractor for Implanted Tongue Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) caused by soft tissue collapse, particularly at the glossopharyngeal plane, require improved retraction devices that can effectively adjust retraction force and securely fix the pull line to prevent slippage and displacement.
Innovation Solution
A worm gear-worm retractor for an implanted tongue retraction device featuring a control switch with a worm gear-worm structure that adjusts retraction force and a pull line fixing device with a non-circular adjustment hole, ensuring secure fixation and easy adjustment of the retraction force, while being compact and biocompatible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional retractor structure is used, then the device is simple in structure, but the retraction force cannot be adjusted and the pull line may slip or displace
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into distinct functional modules: a control switch module with worm gear-worm structure for force adjustment, and a pull line fixing device module for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall device manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional simple mechanical retractor is replaced with a worm gear-worm mechanical transmission system. The worm gear-worm structure provides self-locking capability and adjustable retraction force through rotational movement, transforming the simple pull mechanism into a controllable, adjustable mechanical system that prevents slippage and displacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the retraction force is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different treatment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor transitions from a fixed-force mechanism to a dynamic, adjustable-force system. The worm gear-worm structure allows the retraction force to be dynamically adjusted by rotating the worm, enabling the device to adapt to different treatment requirements while maintaining a relatively compact control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction force parameter is made variable through the worm gear-worm mechanism. By rotating the worm through different angles and speeds, the retraction force can be changed to match different clinical needs, providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Ease of operation
If the pull line fixing device is exposed, then it is easy to access, but the worm gear-worm structure is vulnerable to slippage and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The worm gear-worm structure is nested within a protective housing that contains the control switch and pull line fixing device. This nested arrangement protects the internal mechanical components from external forces that could cause slippage or displacement, while still allowing access to the pull line through designated openings in the housing.
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 retractor provides a compact, adjustable, and biocompatible solution for treating OSAHS by securely fixing the pull line and adjusting retraction force, reducing the risk of slippage and displacement, thus effectively addressing the challenges of soft tissue collapse at the glossopharyngeal plane.
Implementation Method 1
the control switch 301 is a worm gear-worm structure formed by a worm 301-1 and a worm gear 301-2; the worm gear 301-2 is driven to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise by rotating the worm 301-1
Data Source
AI summary
A worm gear-worm retractor for an implanted tongue retraction device is provided. The retractor of the present invention includes a control switch capable of adjusting a retraction force of a pull line, a pull line fixing device capable of fixing the pull line, and a casing. The control switch and the pull line fixing device are mounted in the casing, and the control switch is a worm gear-worm structure formed by a worm and a worm gear. Because the control switch adopts the worm gear-worm structure, by rotating the worm, the worm gear can be driven, so that the pull line fixing device connected to the worm gear rotates, thereby tensioning or loosening the pull line to adjust the retraction force of the pull line fixing device. The retractor has advantages of a compact structure, a small size and convenient adjustment.