Locking device and mechanism for torque limiting device

Abstract

This disclosure relates in general to locking mechanisms for torque limiting devices. Some devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein include a threaded member, the threaded member having a hole extending through the member, and a locking member having an opening at one end and a hole at the other end. The opening surrounds the threaded member and is configured to align the hole in the threaded member with the hole in the locking member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 458,797, filed Apr. 12, 2023, under the name “LOCKING DEVICES AND MECHANISMS FOR TORQUE-LIMITING DEVICES”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to instruments in the medical field used in surgical procedures, and more particularly to single-use or disposable torque-limiting drivers, torque-limiting attachments, and other tools having a locking mechanism for setting a threshold torque in surgical applications.

Background Art

[0003] Torque-limiting devices are used in the medical field, and are particularly commonly used in spinal or orthopedic surgeries where surgeons need to fasten screws to fix implants. Applying the correct amount of torque is extremely important for fixing an implant or other surgical instrument in the correct position without damaging the implant or the patient. Therefore, such torque-limiting devices are indispensable with a highly accurate and reliable locking mechanism for accurately and surely setting the output torque.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Currently, many torque-limiting devices use a locking mechanism that includes setting a key-operated lock nut. However, these locking mechanisms are not continuously adjustable, that is, there are discrete steps between key operations when setting the output torque, and continuous adjustment is not possible, and it is not suitable for automation of manufacturing or production processes. Therefore, there is a need for a locking mechanism for single-use or disposable torque-limiting devices that is continuously adjustable, easy to assemble, and cost-effective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Some embodiments of a locking mechanism for a torque limiting device according to this disclosure include a threaded member, the threaded member having a cylindrical hole passing through it, and a locking member having an opening at one end and a hole at the other end, wherein the opening is configured to surround the threaded member and to align the cylindrical hole of the threaded member with the hole of the locking member.

[0006] Another embodiment of the locking mechanism for a torque limiting device according to this disclosure comprises a threaded member having a predetermined length and a recess extending through a portion of that length; a locking member defining an outer shape that fits into the recess of the threaded member; and a threaded socket defining an inner region that fits into the threaded member and the locking member.

[0007] Furthermore, this specification also discloses a torque limiting assembly system comprising a reduction system, a locking mechanism, and a torque limiting slip clutch system. The locking mechanism comprises a threaded member having a cylindrical hole formed therein, and a locking member having an opening at one end and a hole at the other end. The opening is configured to surround the threaded member and to align the cylindrical hole of the threaded member with the hole of the locking member.

[0008] The features and technical advantages of this disclosure have been outlined above for ease of understanding. Additional features and advantages are described below. Those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure can be readily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures that perform the same purpose as the present invention. They should also understand that equivalent configurations do not deviate from this disclosure without departing from the teachings of this disclosure as described in the appended claims. The novel features of this disclosure, along with features relating to its configuration and operation, can be better understood by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are provided for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0009] The features and advantages of each embodiment of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As those skilled in the art will understand, the same reference numerals and numerals are used to indicate similar features, elements, components or parts in embodiments of the invention. The configurations described in embodiments of this disclosure are intended to be modified and altered without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a top view of one embodiment of a locking mechanism that includes the features of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D shows a right side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows another exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 4A]Figure 4A shows a top perspective view of a nut member according to one embodiment of a locking mechanism incorporating the features of this disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows a front view of a nut member according to one embodiment of a locking mechanism incorporating the features of this disclosure. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows a bottom view of a lock or jacket according to one embodiment of a locking mechanism that includes the features of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a bottom perspective view of the lock or jacket of the embodiment shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows a top view of the lock or jacket of the embodiment shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D shows a right side view of the lock or jacket of the embodiment shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 5E] Figure 5E shows a cross-sectional view of the lock or jacket of the embodiment shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the embodiment of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 1A incorporated into a torque limiting assembly, with the clutch carrier shown as transparent to better illustrate the interaction between the locking mechanism and other components of the torque limiting assembly. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a top perspective view of another embodiment of a lock or jacket incorporating features of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a bottom view of another embodiment of the locking mechanism incorporating the features of this disclosure. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A shows a top view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism that includes features of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 9A, which includes the features of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9A of the locking mechanism, which incorporates the features of the present disclosure. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9A of the locking mechanism, which includes the features of the present disclosure. [Figure 9E]FIG. 9E shows a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A of a locking mechanism including features of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows another exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A shows a top view of one embodiment of a threaded member of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a threaded member of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A shows top views of the locking members of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A, respectively. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B shows top perspective views of the locking members of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A, respectively. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C shows bottom perspective views of the locking members of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A, respectively. <\ [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D shows bottom views of the locking members of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A, respectively. [Figure 13E] FIG. 13E shows right side views of the locking members of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A, respectively. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A shows a right side perspective view of a threaded socket of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B shows a cross-sectional view of a threaded socket of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C shows a top view of a threaded socket of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Embodiments including features of the present disclosure include a locking mechanism for a torque limiting device including a nut and a locking member (e.g., a "jacket") for the nut. The nut and the locking member cooperate to form a friction-based lock.

[0012] Embodiments incorporating the features of this disclosure can be incorporated into a torque limiting assembly of a torque limiting device utilizing an elastic element. Embodiments of the locking mechanism disclosed herein set an output torque by applying a predetermined load to the elastic element of the torque limiting system, and when the set value is reached, the locking mechanism forms an immovable position (hard stop) relative to the elastic element to prevent the elastic element from moving or creeping. The hard stop provided by the locking mechanism disclosed herein ensures that the same torque set value is maintained each time the tool or device is operated.

[0013] The following detailed description provides numerous specific configurations to better understand embodiments that include features of the Disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the mechanisms, systems, apparatus and methods of the Disclosure are implementable without being limited to these specific configurations.

[0014] The preferred embodiments and examples presented herein are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the invention. In this specification, the terms “invention,” “apparatus,” “method,” “disclosure,” “the present invention,” “apparatus,” “method,” or “disclosure” refer to any of the embodiments and their equivalents described herein. Furthermore, any reference to a feature used herein with respect to such terms does not necessarily imply that all claimed embodiments necessarily include that feature.

[0015] When it is stated that an element or feature exists "on top of" or "adjacent to" another element or feature, that element or feature may be directly placed on top of or next to the other element or feature, and another element or feature may exist between them. Similarly, when it is stated that an element is "attached," "connected to," or "combined" with another element, that element may be directly attached / connected / combined with the other element, and another element may exist between them. On the other hand, when it is stated that an element is "directly attached," "directly connected," or "directly combined," there is no intervening element.

[0016] Relative terms such as "outside," "top," "bottom," "horizontal," and "vertical" are used to indicate the relationship between one feature and another. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations other than the one illustrated.

[0017] In this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used solely to distinguish different elements or components and do not impose any quantitative or sequential limitations on such elements. Accordingly, an element described as "first" does not depart from the disclosure of the present invention even if it is described as "second." The term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the relevant items.

[0018] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and do not limit the invention. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are used to include the plural form unless the context clearly specifies a singular form. Furthermore, terms such as "include," "contain," and "equip" specify the existence of the described features, elements, processes, etc., but do not preclude the addition of other features, elements, processes, etc.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described based on schematic drawings, but the shapes shown may vary from those shown due to manufacturing techniques and tolerances. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the shapes shown and also include variations during manufacturing. Identical elements between embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0020] Embodiments of locking mechanisms incorporating the features of this disclosure are single-use or disposable. As an example, a locking mechanism comprises at least a threaded member and a locking member defining an inner region that fits into the threaded member. The locking member ensures a predetermined or set torque.

[0021] Figures 1A to 1E show various perspective views of one embodiment of a locking mechanism 100 incorporating features of the present disclosure. The locking mechanism 100 comprises a locking member 200 and a threaded member 300. The threaded member 300 has a vertical cylindrical hole 302 extending through the threaded member 300, defining openings on both sides of the threaded member 300. The threaded member 300 may be a nut or a screw. In some embodiments, the threaded member 300 has threads 304 formed axially within the vertical cylindrical hole 302. In other embodiments, the threaded member may have threads formed axially on the outside of the threaded member 300. Figures 2 and 3 show exploded views of the locking mechanism 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0022] The locking member 200 is configured to receive the threaded member 300 and may have openings on its upper and lower surfaces. A hole 204 is formed in one end of the locking member 200 (considered to be the upper end or upper side end), and the diameter of the hole 204 is the same as the diameter of the hole 302 in the threaded member 300. However, the diameter of the hole 204 may be smaller or larger than the diameter of the hole in the threaded member 300. An opening 206 is formed in the other end of the locking member 200 (considered to be the lower end or lower side end). The opening 206 is configured to be the same size and shape as the threaded member 300 so that the threaded member 300 can be inserted into or positioned in the locking member 200 through the opening 206.

[0023] The locking mechanism 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C is generally hexagonal, but it should be understood that it may be circular, square, or any other shape. The shape of the locking member 200 may differ from the shape of the threaded member 300, as long as the opening 206 at the lower end can accommodate the threaded member 300. Furthermore, the locking member 200 shown in Figures 1A to 1C has sides that are generally perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces, but these sides may be formed at an angle to the top and bottom surfaces. Figures 7 and 8 show numerous alternative shapes and configurations of the locking member 200 and the locking mechanism 100.

[0024] Figures 4A and 4B show various diagrams of one embodiment of the threaded member 300 according to the present disclosure. The illustrated threaded member 300 is a threaded nut, but various types of threaded members 300 may be used. For example, a nut or set screw having interference threads may be used as the threaded member 300, but is not limited thereto. The threaded member 300 may be formed from one or more materials, such as steel, a metal alloy, or other materials or coatings as envisioned by those skilled in the art. The threaded member 300 may have threads on its inner or outer surface. In other embodiments, the threaded member 300 may have deformed threads.

[0025] Figures 5A to 5E show various diagrams of one embodiment of the locking member 200 according to the present disclosure. The illustrated locking member 200 has a rib or thread 202 in a hole 204 located at the upper end of the locking member 200. Examples of the rib 202 are shown in Figures 5B and 5E. In some embodiments, the rib 202 generates friction between the locking mechanism 100 and the screw shaft of the torque limiting device, thereby fixing the locking mechanism 100 in place. The locking member 200 may be formed from one or more different materials, such as polymer resin, composite-filled polymer resin, metal, metal alloy, or other materials assumed by those skilled in the art.

[0026] Figures 9A to 9E show various diagrams of other embodiments of the locking mechanism 400 incorporating features of the present disclosure. The locking mechanism 400 comprises a locking member 500, a threaded member 600, and a threaded socket 700. The threaded member 600 has a vertical opening 602. The vertical opening 602 may define a hole that penetrates the entire threaded member 600, or it may define a cavity that penetrates only a portion of the threaded member 600. The vertical opening 602 is generally shown as hexagonal, but may be, for example, square, circular, octagonal, or other shapes that a person skilled in the art can imagine. In some embodiments, the threaded member 600 may be a set screw. The threaded member 600 has threads 604. Figures 10 and 11 show exploded views of the locking mechanism 400 shown in Figures 9A to 9E according to the present disclosure.

[0027] The locking member 500 of this embodiment comprises a body 504. The body 504 is configured to fit into a vertical opening 602 of the threaded member 600. The body 504 is configured to have the same size and shape as the vertical opening 602 so that it can be inserted into or positioned within the threaded member 600 through the opening 602. The locking mechanism 400 shown in Figures 9A to 9C is generally hexagonal, but it should be understood that it may have various other shapes, such as circular or square.

[0028] Figures 12A and 12B show various diagrams of one embodiment of the threaded member 600 according to the present disclosure. The illustrated threaded member 600 is a set screw, but various threaded members may be used. For example, the threaded member may be, but is not limited to, a threaded nut or a nut with interference threads. The threaded member 600 may be formed from one or more materials, such as steel, a metal alloy, or other materials or coatings as assumed by those skilled in the art. The threaded member 600 may have threads on its inner or outer surface. In other embodiments, the threaded member 600 may have deformed threads.

[0029] Figures 13A to 13E show various diagrams of one embodiment of the locking member 500 according to the present disclosure. The locking member 500 comprises a head 506 and a body 504. The head 506 has ribs or threads 502 on its outer circumference. Figures 13B and 13E show examples of ribs or threads. In some embodiments, the ribs 502 create friction between the locking mechanism 400 and the threaded shaft of the torque limiting device, thereby fixing the locking mechanism 400 in place. The locking member 500 may be formed from one or more different materials, such as polymer resin, composite-filled polymer resin, metal, metal alloy, or other materials assumed by those skilled in the art.

[0030] Figures 14A to 14C show various diagrams of the threaded socket 700 according to the present disclosure. The threaded socket 700 comprises a hole 702 that penetrates the entire threaded socket 700 and threads 704. The diameter of the hole 702 may be the same as the diameter of the threaded member 600, or it may be smaller than the diameter of the head 506. In some embodiments, the threaded socket 700 includes a threaded shaft of a torque limiting device. In some embodiments, a rib or thread 502 creates friction with the threads 704, thereby securing the locking member 500 to the threaded socket 700. The threaded socket 700 may be formed from one or more different materials, such as polymer resin, composite-filled polymer resin, metal, metal alloy, or other materials assumed by those skilled in the art.

[0031] Embodiments of the locking mechanism disclosed herein may include an elastic interface between the threaded member 300 and the locking member 200, or between the threaded member 600 and the locking member 500. One advantage of including an elastic interface is that it reduces vibration between the two components.

[0032] Embodiments of the locking mechanisms 100, 400 disclosed herein may be incorporated into a torque limiting assembly. The torque limiting assembly may further be incorporated into a torque limiting device. For example, the torque limiting assembly may comprise a reduction system, a locking mechanism, and a torque limiting slip clutch system. The torque limiting assembly may have various configurations. Embodiments of the locking mechanism disclosed herein cooperate with elastic or spring members of the torque limiting assembly to determine the threshold torque or set torque of the device. Figure 6 shows an example in which the locking mechanisms 100, 400 disclosed herein cooperate with elastic or spring members of the torque limiting assembly. In Figure 6, the locking mechanism 100 is positioned on a plurality of flat washers and Belleville washers (elastic elements) acting as a rigid spring. The locking mechanism 100 biases the washers to the set torque or threshold torque, and finally the torque limiting device applies the precise force. In Figure 6, the locking mechanism 400 may be used instead of the locking mechanism 100.

[0033] At least one advantage of the locking devices and locking mechanisms disclosed herein is the separation of axial loads between the threaded member 300 or 600 and the locking member 200 or 500, thereby enabling the torque limiting device with the locking mechanism to accommodate higher torque thresholds.

[0034] While this specification primarily focuses on torque limiting mechanisms used in medical devices, torque limiting mechanisms or ratchet mechanisms incorporating the features of this disclosure may also be applicable to other tools where these features may be beneficial, such as basic screwdrivers used in construction applications.

[0035] Each exemplary embodiment described herein is intended to illustrate the underlying principles of the inventive concept. Therefore, modifications to the embodiments disclosed herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and such modifications are intended not to deviate from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein are not limited to any particular shape, and other configurations are possible in light of the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Other modifications and embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the above teachings, and the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

[0036] While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations, other configurations are also possible. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, any adaptable combination of any of the components shown in each figure. Furthermore, the features, elements, and processes of the appended claims can be combined in a polydependent form to depend on all prior claims. All such combinations of components, members, and processes are within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description is intended to encompass all modifications and alternative configurations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, and no part of this disclosure is intended to be in the public domain unless otherwise stated in the claims.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a torque limiting device, A threaded member, wherein a cylindrical hole is configured to pass through the threaded member, A locking member having an opening at one end and a hole at the other end, Equipped with, The locking mechanism is characterized in that the opening is configured to surround the threaded member and to align the cylindrical hole in the threaded member with the hole in the locking member.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening of the locking member is formed to have the same shape as the outer shape of the threaded member.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the depth of the opening of the locking member is sufficient to engage with the threaded member.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface of the threaded member is hexagonal.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening of the locking member is hexagonal.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the hole in the locking member is configured to frictionally interfere with the hole in the threaded member.

7. The locking mechanism for a torque limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the threaded member is a nut having an interference thread.

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic element between the threaded member and the locking member.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the hole in the locking member is configured to have a screw thread.

10. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the hole of the locking member is configured to have a rib.

11. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking member includes a polymer.

12. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the threaded member includes metal.

13. A locking mechanism for a torque limiting device, A threaded member having a predetermined length and a recess extending through at least a portion of that length, A locking member that defines an outer shape that fits into the recess of the threaded member, A threaded socket defining an inner region that fits the threaded member and the locking member, A locking mechanism equipped with this.

14. The locking mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that the threaded member is a set screw.

15. The locking mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that the threaded member is configured to have threads on the inside.

16. The locking mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that a screw thread is formed on the outside of a hollow cylindrical member.

17. Torque limiting system, A reduction system having an output shaft, A torque-limiting slip clutch system connected to the output shaft, A locking mechanism connected to the torque limiting slip clutch system, Equipped with, The locking mechanism is A threaded member, wherein a cylindrical hole is configured to pass through the threaded member, A locking member having an opening at one end and a hole at the other end, Equipped with, The opening is configured to surround the threaded member and to align the cylindrical hole in the threaded member with the hole in the locking member. A torque limiting system characterized in that when a predetermined torque is applied to the output shaft, the threaded member and the locking member of the locking mechanism are locked by friction, causing the torque limiting slip clutch system to slip.

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