Connector for surgical handpiece
Inventors
Ketelhohn, Robert A. • Cotter, Daniel J. • Manandhar, Prakash • Bertorelli, John • Gupta, Saurav V. • Lemieux, Erin-Anne A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11191553-B2
Publication Date
2021-12-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A surgical handpiece nosecone having an end overmold portion and/or an internal overmold portion. The end overmold portion is located at an end of the nosecone and compressed between the surgical handpiece housing and nosecone. The internal overmold portion is positioned radially about the nosecone on the inner surface to provide a fluid tight seal that prevents ingress of irrigation fluid into the housing.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a connection apparatus for attachment of members of a medical device. The connection apparatus includes a first member having a first body with a neck and a first connecting section, and a second member having a second body, a second connecting section and a shoulder at a junction between the second body and the second connecting section. The first connecting section and the first body define an inner surface through the first member, and the first connecting section has a first end face and an end overmold portion.
The first connecting section and the second connecting section telescope by shaping the second connecting section to have an outer surface sized for telescoping into the first connecting section, with a groove extending from the second end face towards the shoulder. The inner surface of the first member includes a nub extending radially inward for engaging the groove, thereby forming a mechanical engagement between the telescoping members. The end overmold portion is overmolded onto and at least partially covers the first end face of the first connecting section.
The end overmold portion is positioned to bear against the longitudinal surface of the shoulder of the second member, whereby the end overmold portion is compressed between the first connecting section and the longitudinal surface of the shoulder of the second member. The internal overmold portion is positioned radially about the inner surface adjacent the neck, and the document context describes that an internal overmold portion on the inner surface conforms to an ultrasonic horn to form a fluid-tight seal preventing irrigation fluid ingress.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim includes three inventive features. It covers telescoping members with a mechanically engaging nub and groove scheme, an end overmold portion compressed between a first connecting section and a longitudinal shoulder surface, and an internal overmold portion positioned radially about an inner surface adjacent a neck.
Telescoping members with radially engaged nub and groove
A first member having a first connecting section and a first body defining an inner surface through the first member, and a second member having a second connecting section shaped for telescoping into the first connecting section, wherein the second connecting section has a groove extending from the second end face towards the shoulder and the first member has a nub on the inner surface extending radially inward for engaging the groove.
Compressed end overmold portion between connecting section and shoulder
An end overmold portion overmolded onto and at least partially covering the first end face of the first connecting section and positioned to bear against the longitudinal surface of the shoulder of the second member, whereby the end overmold portion is compressed between the first connecting section and the longitudinal surface of the shoulder of the second member.
Internal overmold portion radially about inner surface adjacent neck
An internal overmold portion positioned radially about the inner surface of the first body adjacent the neck.
The claim coverage centers on a connection apparatus that telescopes using a nub-to-groove engagement and uses overmolded structures, specifically an end overmold portion compressed between a connecting section and a longitudinal shoulder surface and an internal overmold portion positioned adjacent a neck.
Stated Advantages
Improved ease of use during surgical operation.
Reduced risk of incorrect O-ring installation.
Sealed operation during surgery by preventing irrigation fluid ingress.
Documented Applications
Surgical handpiece connection using an ultrasonic aspirator irrigation/aspiration system, where the nosecone/connector provides a fluid-tight seal to prevent irrigation fluid ingress during surgery.
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