Patent Application
20110315413
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of multi-functional tools. More particularly, multi-functional tools that provide for utilization of one or more motions to perform and/or facilitate a task or set of tasks.
Many multi-functional tools, especially those used for surgical procedures, require separate hand pieces for each desired type of tool motion. Others require different hand piece attachments in order to change from one type of motion to another type of motion. Changing hand pieces and/or switching out attachments can require valuable time. For example, in surgical robotic applications, the hand piece is preferably rigidly attached to the end of the robotic arm, so changing hand pieces consumes valuable operating room time and introduces potential position error in the cutting due to the need to change hand pieces. Further, these hand pieces and attachments are often expensive, requiring a significant investment in the multi-functional tool in order to utilize all possible motions/functions.
In many fields (e.g., surgical robotics for orthopedic applications, construction, etc.), it is desirable to utilize different planar motions—orbital, sagittal, and reciprocal—to execute a given task or set of tasks (e.g., a surgical procedure). For many multi-functional tools, fewer than all three of these three motions can be provided.
It would be desirable to have a multi-functional tool that allows a single planar cutting hand piece/driver to provide orbital, sagittal, and reciprocating motions. It would be further desirable if changes in the motion provided by the hand piece/driver could be accomplished by simply changing (e.g., switching, interchanging, swapping out, replacing, etc.) an operating member used therewith.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a kit-of-parts for a multi-functional tool. The kit-of-parts comprises a drive unit with a first mounting pin, a second mounting pin movable relative to the first mounting pin, and a first operating member having a first arrangement of first and second apertures. The first and second apertures are configured to engage the first and second pins, respectively, when the first operating member is connected to the drive unit. Further, the first arrangement is configured to cause the first operating member to move in a first motion relative to the drive unit when the second mounting pin is moved relative to the first mounting pin. The kit-of-parts further comprises a second operating member having a second arrangement of first and second apertures different from the first arrangement. The first and second apertures are configured to engage the first and second pins, respectively, when the second operating member is connected to the drive unit. Further, the second arrangement is configured to cause the second operating member to move in a second motion relative to the drive unit when the second mounting pin is moved relative to the first mounting pin.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for changing the motion of a multi-functional tool. The method comprises connecting a first operating member having a first arrangement of first and second apertures to a drive unit having a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin by engaging the first and second apertures with the first and second mounting pins, respectively; moving the second mounting pin relative to the first mounting pin to cause the first operating member to move in a first motion relative to the drive unit; removing the first operating member from the drive unit; connecting a second operating member having a second arrangement of first and second apertures, different from the first arrangement, to the drive unit by engaging the first and second apertures with the first and second mounting pins, respectively; and moving the second mounting pin relative to the first mounting pin to cause the second operating member to move in a second motion relative to the drive unit.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a drive unit providing adjustable stroke distances for a work-engaging portion of an operating member. The drive unit comprises a drive shaft rotatable about a drive shaft axis; a motor configured to drive the drive shaft; a first drive unit coupling feature defining a first axis; a second drive unit coupling feature defining a second axis and being configured to be driven in an orbital path about the drive shaft axis upon rotation of the drive shaft; and an offset mechanism configured to change the orbital path of the second drive unit coupling feature about the drive shaft axis and thereby change a stroke distance of a work-engaging portion of an operating member coupled to the first drive unit coupling feature and the second drive unit coupling feature.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a sagittal-movement operating member removably coupleable to a drive unit. The sagittal-movement operating member comprises an elongated body extending substantially along a longitudinal axis and including a front portion opposite a rear portion along the longitudinal axis; a first coupling feature disposed between the front portion and the rear portion of the elongated body and configured to engage a corresponding first drive unit coupling feature to substantially prevent movement of the elongated body relative to the first drive unit coupling feature along and transverse to the longitudinal axis at the first coupling feature; and a second coupling feature disposed between the front portion and the rear portion of the elongated body and closer to the rear portion of the elongated body relative to the first coupling feature, the second coupling feature being configured to engage a corresponding second drive unit coupling feature to allow movement of the second drive unit coupling feature relative to the elongated body one of along and parallel to the longitudinal axis without causing substantial movement of the second drive unit coupling feature relative to the elongated body transverse to the longitudinal axis at the second coupling feature.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a reciprocating-movement operating member removably coupleable to a drive unit. The reciprocating-movement operating member comprises an elongated body extending substantially along a longitudinal axis and including a front portion opposite a rear portion along the longitudinal axis; a first coupling feature being disposed between the front portion and the rear portion of the elongated body and configured to engage a corresponding first drive unit coupling feature to allow movement of the elongated body relative to the first drive unit coupling feature one of along or parallel to the longitudinal axis while substantially preventing movement transverse to the longitudinal axis at the first coupling feature; and a second coupling feature being disposed between the front portion and the rear portion of the elongated body and closer to the rear portion of the elongated body relative to the first coupling feature, the second coupling feature being configured to engage a corresponding second drive unit coupling feature to allow movement of the second drive unit coupling feature relative to the elongated body transverse to the longitudinal axis without causing substantial movement of the second drive unit coupling feature relative to the elongated body along or parallel to the longitudinal axis at the second coupling feature.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain aspects of the invention.
a is a top plan view of the drive unit of the multi-functional tool of
b is a top plan view of the drive unit of the multi-functional tool of
Referring to the FIGURES, a multi-functional tool is disclosed. The multi-functional tool is configured to achieve different, preferably planar movements by interchanging operating members coupleable to a drive unit. That is, an operator may select the motion of the multi-functional tool by changing (e.g., switching, interchanging, swapping out, replacing, etc.) the operating member (e.g., removing one operating member and replacing it with another operating member). In this way, the multi-functional tool eliminates the need for a user to change hand pieces in order to achieve a different planar motion. Further, the multi-functional tool also eliminates the need for separate drivers or hand piece attachments. Other benefits of this configuration include, but, are not limited to, improved efficiency, cost savings, and minimizing complications associated with switching out drivers and/or hand pieces in order to change an operating motion to a tool.
The multi-functional tool may be used by itself (e.g., in a hand-held manner). Alternatively, the multi-functional tool may be used in combination with a support structure. For example, the multi-functional tool may be coupled to a robotic arm used during a surgical procedure. It should be noted that while the multi-functional tool is frequently discussed in this disclosure in reference to use for surgical procedures, the multi-functional tool may be utilized for any number of tasks (e.g., construction, finish carpentry, etc.).
Referring to
The multi-functional tool 10 includes a drive unit 12 according to an exemplary embodiment. The drive unit 12 provides motion to an operating member engaged therewith. The drive unit 12 is shown configured to provide orbital, sagittal, and reciprocal motion to an operating member, the motion provided to the operating member being substantially dependent on the interaction between the drive system and one or more coupling features of the operating member, as will be discussed in more detail below. Stated otherwise, the same drive unit 12 is utilized to provide for each type of planar motion (orbital, sagittal, and reciprocal motion).
Referring to
Referring further to
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first end 28 of the drive shaft 14 includes a first surface 32. The first surface 32 defines a plane substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft axis 26. As will be discussed in more detail later, a plurality of bores, shown a first bore 34 and a second bore 36 (see
Further referring to
The body portion 50 of the housing 20 provides support for a number of the components of the drive unit 12, including, but not limited to, the drive shaft 14 and the motor 16. The body portion 50 may have any number of configurations suitable for providing support for components of the drive unit 12. For example, the size and/or shape of the body portion may be varied to accommodate different combinations of components that provide for rotation of the drive shaft.
The operating member receiving portion 52 of the housing 20 includes a support surface 54, a cover 56, and a securing device 58 according to an exemplary embodiment.
The support surface 54 is configured to at least partially support an operating member. The support surface 54 is shown generally planar and partially defined by the first surface 32 of the drive shaft 14, allowing a substantially planar portion of an operating member to be disposed thereon. During operation of the multi-functional tool 10, the operating member is typically slidably moved along the support surface 54 in a plane substantially parallel thereto. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drive shaft axis 26 is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the support surface 54, and, accordingly, to the plane of movement of an operating member engaged with the drive unit 12.
Referring to
With the cover 56 in the closed position, a cavity 62 is formed between the cover 56 and the support surface 54. An opening 64 proximate to a free end 66 of the cover 56 distal to a pivotal end 68 of the cover 56 allows a portion of an operating member to extend out of the cavity 62. In this way, a portion of an operating member may be secured by the drive unit 12 (though, remaining movable within a plane parallel to the support surface 54) and another portion of the operating member may be substantially cantilevered, extending away from the drive unit to engage with an element to be operated (e.g., worked, etc.) on by the multi-functional tool 10.
Referring further to
According to an alternative embodiment, features other than a cover and securing device may be used to maintain an operating member in a desired position during operation of the multi-functional tool 10. For example, tethers, clips, or elements that provide for vertical restraint may be used to constrain the motion of an operating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface 54.
Referring to
Referring generally to the FIGURES, the first mounting pin 22 and the second mounting pin 24 are further configured to provide control over the motion provided to the operating member according to an exemplary embodiment. The second mounting pin 24 is configured to be moved relative to the first mounting pin 22 when the multi-functional tool 10 is being operated. For example, the second mounting pin 24 is coupled to the drive shaft 14 and configured to be moved about the drive shaft axis 26. As the drive shaft 14 rotates, the second mounting pin 24 is moved in an orbital path about the drive shaft axis 26. As the second mounting pin 24 is driven by the drive shaft 14, the first mounting pin 22 remains substantially stationary. That is, the location of the first axis 80 is shown fixed relative to the support surface 54. When an operating member is coupled to the first mounting pin 22 and the second mounting pin 24, the movement of the second mounting pin 24 relative to the first mounting pin 22 causes the operating member to move with a sagittal, orbital, or reciprocal motion. That is, the orbital motion of the second mounting pin 24 of the drive unit 12 can be transformed into orbital, sagittal, or reciprocal motion of an operating member. As will be discussed in more detail below, the interaction between the first mounting pin 22, the second mounting pin 24, and the coupling features of a given operating member determines the motion of the operating member in response to movement of the drive unit 12.
According to an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the first mounting pin 22 and the second mounting pin 24 may be rotatable about its respective axis to prevent wear to operating members engaged therewith. In the exemplary embodiment shown, an outer surface 84 of the first mounting pin 22 and an outer surface 86 of the second mounting pin 24 contact the inner surfaces of the apertures of the operating members during operation of the multi-functional tool 10 (see e.g.,
a-5b illustrate an offset mechanism 90 of the drive unit 12. The offset mechanism 90 allows the drive unit 12 to provide adjustable stroke distances for a work-engaging portion of an operating member. The offset mechanism 90 is configured to change the orbital path of the second mounting pin 24 about the drive shaft axis 26. The offset mechanism 90 includes at least a first bore 34 and a second bore 36, each configured to removably receive the second mounting pin 24, which can be moved between the bores 34, 36. The bores 34, 36 are located at different radial distances from the drive shaft axis 26. As shown in
Each operating member includes a plurality of coupling features configured to be coupled with the drive unit coupling features. The coupling features of the operating members in
Referring to
Referring further to
The work-engaging portion 108 of the orbital blade 100 is shown including a plurality of teeth 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The teeth 120 are configured to cut into and/or through an element (external to the multi-functional tool 10) engaged by the orbital blade 100. The teeth 120 are shown disposed about a perimeter 122 of the work-engaging portion 108, which has a pair of generally tapered sides 124 and a curved end 126. According to other exemplary embodiments, the work-engaging portion of the orbital-movement operating member may be configured to have any structure or shape suitable for utilizing an orbital motion.
According to other exemplary embodiments of an orbital-movement operating member, while the work-engaging portion of the orbital-movement operating member may vary based on the task being performed and/or facilitated, the arrangement of apertures will remain substantially the same. That being said, variations to the individual apertures (e.g., size, length, proximity to the other aperture, etc.) may be made/accommodated so long as the interaction between the arrangement of apertures and the drive unit coupling features still provides for achieving orbital motion. For example, the distance that the slot extends along the longitudinal axis may vary or the apertures may be disposed along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body rather than on the longitudinal axis.
According to an alternative embodiment, one or more of the drive unit coupling features and the coupling features of the orbital-movement operating member may be interchanged (e.g., swapped, switched, etc.) so long as the desired motion of the operating member relative to the drive unit is still achieved. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second drive unit coupling feature is a circular aperture, rather than a pin, and the second coupling feature of the orbital-movement operating member is a pin that is configured to be received in the circular aperture. According to other exemplary embodiments, coupling features other than pins and/or apertures may be utilized.
Referring to
Referring further to
The motion of the second mounting pin 24 as it moves in its orbital path causes the work-engaging portion 208 to move with sagittal motion relative to the drive unit 12 (e.g., generally pivoting side-to-side). As the second mounting pin 24 is moved, the elongated body 202 is moved side-to-side relative to the support surface 54 at the slot 214, but is prevented from moving front-to-back relative to the support surface 54 because the interaction between the first mounting pin 22 and the circular aperture 212. The elongated body 202 is limited to pivotally moving about the first mounting pin 22 at the circular aperture 212 because the first mounting pin 22 is substantially stationary and the circular aperture 212 is just slightly larger than the first mounting pin 22. Because the first mounting pin 22 is located intermediate the second mounting pin 24 and the work-engaging portion 208, the movement of the second mounting pin 24 toward the first side wall 74 causes the work-engaging portion 208 to move generally toward the second side wall 76 and away from the first side wall 74. Similarly, the movement of the second mounting pin 24 toward the second side wall 76 causes the work-engaging portion 208 to move generally toward the first side wall 74 and away from the second side wall 76. In this way, interaction between the pins 22, 24 of the drive unit 12 and the arrangement of apertures 210 of the sagittal blade 200 causes the work-engaging portion 208 to be moved in a motion relative to the drive unit 12 that is a sagittal motion, as generally indicated by the arrows in
The work-engaging portion 208 of the sagittal blade 200 is shown including a plurality of teeth 220 along an outer edge 222 according to an exemplary embodiment. The teeth 220 are configured to cut into and/or through a component engaged by the sagittal blade 200. The outer edge 222 of the sagittal blade 200 is shown generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 204; though, according to other exemplary embodiments, the work-engaging portion of the sagittal-movement member may be configured to have any structure or shape suitable for utilizing a sagittal cutting motion.
According to other exemplary embodiments of a sagittal-movement operating member, while the work-engaging portion of the sagittal-movement operating member may vary based on the task being performed and/or facilitated, the arrangement of apertures will remain substantially the same. That being said, variations to the individual apertures (e.g., the size, the length, proximity, etc.) may be made/accommodated so long as the interaction between the arrangement of apertures and the drive unit coupling features still provides for achieving sagittal motion relative to the drive unit. For example, the distance that the slot extends along the longitudinal axis may vary or the apertures may be disposed along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body rather than on the longitudinal axis.
According to an alternative embodiment, one or more of the drive unit coupling features and the coupling features of the sagittal-movement operating member may be interchanged (e.g., swapped, switched, etc.) so long as the desired motion of the operating member is still achieved. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first drive unit coupling feature is a circular aperture, rather than a pin, and the first coupling feature of the sagittal-movement operating member is a pin that is configured to be received in the circular aperture. According to other exemplary embodiments, coupling features other than pins and/or apertures may be utilized.
Referring to
Referring further to
The work-engaging portion 308 of the reciprocating blade 300 is shown including a plurality of teeth 322 according to an exemplary embodiment. The teeth 322 are configured to cut into and/or through an element (external to the multi-functional tool) component that is engaged by the reciprocating blade 300. The teeth 322 are shown disposed generally to one side of the work-engaging portion 308, which is shown having a pair of sides 324. The sides 324 are shown tapered, but need not be. According to other exemplary embodiments, the work-engaging portion of the reciprocating-movement operating member may be configured to have any structure or shape suitable for utilizing a reciprocating cutting motion.
According to other exemplary embodiments of a reciprocating-movement operating member, while the work-engaging portion of the reciprocating movement operating member may vary based on the task being performed and/or facilitated, the arrangement of apertures will remain substantially the same. That being said, variations to the individual apertures (e.g., the size, the length, proximity to each other, etc.) may be made/accommodated so long as the interaction between the arrangement of apertures and the drive unit coupling features still provides for achieving reciprocating motion. For example, the distance that one of the slots extends along the longitudinal axis may vary or the apertures may be disposed along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body rather than on the longitudinal axis.
According to an alternative embodiment, one or more of the drive unit coupling features and the coupling features of the reciprocating-movement operating member may be interchanged (e.g., swapped, switched, etc.) so long as the desired motion of the operating member is still achieved. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first drive unit coupling feature is a slot aperture, rather than a pin, and the first coupling feature of the reciprocating-movement operating member is a pin that is configured to be received in the slot. According to other exemplary embodiments, coupling features other than pins and/or apertures may be utilized.
As mentioned above, any number of tasks can be completed by utilizing an operating member having an arrangement of apertures corresponding to the motion desired and a work-engaging portion suitable for performing the desired task. According to some other exemplary embodiments, the work-engaging portion may be suitable for scraping, grinding, percussion-related tasks, or creating vibrations.
Moreover, the motion of the multi-functional tool may be changed by changing the operating member coupled to (e.g., engaged by/with, connected to, etc.) the drive unit. That is, replacing a first operating member having a first plurality of coupling features (e.g., a first arrangement of apertures) that provide for a first motion with a second operating member having a second plurality of coupling features (e.g., a second, different arrangement of apertures) that provide for a second motion, changes the operational motion of the multi-functional tool (e.g., when the second mounting pin is moved relative to the first mounting pin). According to some exemplary embodiments, a third operating member having a third plurality of coupling features (e.g., a third arrangement of apertures different from the first and the second arrangements of apertures) that provide for a third motion may also be provided. Further, this third operating member may also be interchangeable with an operating member coupled to the drive unit (e.g., the first operating member or the second operating member) to change the operational motion of the multi-functional tool. Generally, interchanging operating members involves disengaging the coupling features (e.g., apertures) of one operating member from the drive unit coupling features (e.g., pins), and engaging the coupling features (e.g., apertures) of another operating member with the drive unit coupling features (e.g., pins). The first motion, second motion, and the third motion each correspond to a planar motion that is one of orbital motion, sagittal motion, and reciprocal motion. For example, the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member as discussed in this paragraph may each correspond (in no particular order) to one of the orbital blade 100, the sagittal blade 200, and the reciprocating blade 300 discussed above. As is evident to one reading this disclosure, actually achieving an orbital, sagittal, or reciprocating motion of an operating member involves operating (e.g., turning “on”) the drive unit 12 in order to move the second mounting pin 24 in an orbital path and relative to the first mounting pin 22 once an operating member is secured to the drive unit 12.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a kit-of-parts for the multi-functional tool is provided. The kit-of-parts includes a drive unit having a plurality of drive unit coupling features (e.g., the first mounting pin and the second mounting pin) and one or more operating members. Typically, at least two operating members will be provided, though, more than two operating members is contemplated. The operating members may all be configured for similar tasks (e.g., cutting-type tasks) or may be configured for a variety of different tasks (e.g., one operating member may be configured for cutting and another for sanding). Further, operating members may be acquired and/or utilized independent of the drive unit as described herein. It is contemplated that numerous operating members may be independently acquired to be added to a set of operating members for use with a drive unit.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.
It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of the multi-functional tool or components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
