Adjustable surgical cutting instrument and cam system for use in same
An adjustable cam and follower system for a surgical device that includes a tri-dimensional rotatable cam member having a rotational input and a cam surface, the contour of which is defined by at least one radius of varying length. The system further includes a follower selectively moveable linearly, the follower configurable to ride substantially upon the cam surface as the cam rotates. A handpiece having an ergonomic member attachable thereto is also disclosed.
1 . An adjustable cam and follower system for a surgical device comprising:
a tri-dimensional rotatable cam member having a rotational input and a cam surface, the contour of which is defined by at least one radius of varying length; and
a follower selectively moveable linearly, the follower configurable to ride substantially upon the cam surface as the cam rotates.
2 . A system according to claim 1 , including a hub adapted to connect the cam surface to the rotational input.
3 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the cam surface has upper and lower transition surfaces.
4 . A system according to claim 3 , wherein said upper and lower transition surfaces taper according to said contour of the cam surface.
5 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the cam surface does not extend below a predetermined plane.
6 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the cam surface does not extend below a predetermined plane and does not extend radially outwardly from a predetermined axis of rotation a distance greater than a predetermined radius.
7 . A system according to claim 1 , further comprising a handpiece having a proximal and distal end, said tri-dimensional rotatable cam member and said selectively moveable follower being contained within said handpiece.
8 . A system according to claim 7 further comprising:
an ergonomic member attachable to said handpiece by sliding a connecting portion of said ergonomic member onto said handpiece.
9 . A system according to claim 7 further comprising an ergonomic member integrally formed with said handpiece.
10 . A system according to claim 7 further comprising:
an ergonomic member attachable to said handpiece; and
a connecting interface defined by the ergonomic member and said handpiece, the connecting interface being configured to removably or adjustably secure the ergonomic member to the handpiece.
11 . A system according to claim 10 , wherein said ergonomic member has an extension portion that extends from a connecting portion of the ergonomic member at a predetermined angle.
12 . A system according to claim 11 , wherein said predetermined angle between said extension portion and said connecting portion is in the range of 0° to 45°.
13 . A system according to claim 10 , wherein said ergonomic member is generally spherical in shape.
14 . A system according to claim 10 , wherein the ergonomic member is formed of a plastic material.
15 . A fixed displacement adjustable cam and follower system for a surgical device comprising:
a tri-dimensional rotatable cam member having a rotational input and a cam surface defined by at least one radius of varying length;
a selectively moveable follower having a linear output, the follower configured to ride substantially upon the cam surface;
wherein the cam is configured to provide substantially uniform follower displacement for a given movement of the position of the follower relative to the cam member;
a handpiece providing support for said cam member and said follower, wherein said cam member and said follower are contained within said handpiece; and
an ergonomic member having a connecting portion attachable to said handpiece.
16 . An adjustable surgical device comprising:
a handpiece having a proximal and distal end;
a hinge positioned between the proximal end and the distal end of the handpiece and configured to allow a first portion of the handpiece to be moved relative to a second portion of the handpiece;
a tri-dimensional rotatable cam member having a rotational input disposed within the proximal end of the handpiece and including a cam surface defined by at least one radius of varying length;
a follower disposed substantially within the distal end of the handpiece and including a proximal end riding upon the cam surface to provide a reciprocating output; and
wherein the cam surface is configured for providing substantially fixed follower displacement as the first handpiece portion is moved relative to the second handpiece portion.
17 . A device according to claim 17 further comprising:
an ergonomic member attachable to said handpiece;
a connecting interface defined by the ergonomic member and the surgical device, the connecting interface configured to removably or adjustably secure the ergonomic member to the surgical device.