Adaptor and Drill for Cannula Bone Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for placing cannulas into bone are complex and require multiple steps, necessitating tools that simplify the process by transferring forward linear force and preventing excessive drill extension, while also facilitating rotational penetration.

Innovation Solution

An adaptor and drill system where the adaptor includes a channel or aperture and the drill has a key that engages with the channel or aperture, allowing the cannula to rotate with the drill for easier bone penetration, with the adaptor transferring forward linear force to the cannula and preventing excessive drill extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple steps are used for cannula placement (manual manipulation, blunt force, separate drilling), then the cannula can be placed into bone, but the surgical process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannula placement accuracyVSAvoidsurgical process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides a guide for drill insertion, transfers linear force from the driver to the cannula, and enables rotational movement. This merging of functions into one integrated adaptor reduces the number of separate tools and steps needed, thereby simplifying the surgical process while maintaining placement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a guide structure, a force transmission mechanism, and a rotational coupling device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tools for each operation, reducing procedural complexity without compromising the reliability of cannula placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation and blunt force are used to place the cannula, then the cannula can be inserted into bone, but the process requires multiple separate actions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannula insertion easeVSAvoidsurgical time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor enables continuous force transmission from the driver through the drill to the cannula, allowing the surgical action to proceed without interruption. The continuous engagement of components eliminates the need to stop and manually reposition tools, thereby reducing surgical time while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the rotational and linear motion of the driver-drill assembly into effective cannula insertion. This intermediary function allows the surgical team to use a single powered device rather than coordinating multiple manual actions, saving time and simplifying operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the drill is allowed to extend freely from the cannula, then drilling can proceed, but the drill may extend more than the desired amount

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill operation freedomVSAvoiddrill extension precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor is pre-configured with a guide structure that defines the maximum extension of the drill before drilling begins. This preliminary positioning constraint ensures that the drill cannot extend beyond the desired amount, while still allowing free rotation and operation within the permitted range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If the cannula is rotated manually during insertion, then penetration can be aided, but the rotation must be coordinated with linear advancement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone penetration speedVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor merges the rotation function with the linear advancement mechanism by coupling the drill's rotational motion to the cannula's linear insertion. This integration eliminates the need for separate manual coordination of rotation and advancement, thereby increasing penetration productivity without adding operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor automatically translates the rotational motion of the drill into coordinated rotation of the cannula during linear advancement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually coordinate two independent actions, simplifying operation while maintaining high penetration speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11304709B2Adaptor and drill for use with a driver and a cannula for drilling into bone
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 MEDTRONIC EUROPE SÀRL
  • US11304709B2 patent drawing
  • US11304709B2 patent drawing
  • US11304709B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A adaptor is used with a driver, a drill, and a cannula to facilitate removal of material from bone and placement of the cannula in the bone. The adaptor includes an end portion provided at a proximal first end that is configured to engage a portion of the drill; a body portion attached to the end portion and extending from the end portion toward a distal second end; a head portion provided at the distal second end and attached to the body portion; and a passageway for receiving the drill that extends through the adaptor. Furthermore, the head portion includes a distal surface and at least one coupler provided on or adjacent the distal surface for releasably engaging. the cannula.