Adjustable Bridge Coupling for Distal Targeting Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current distal targeting systems for surgical implants face challenges in accurately aligning surgical instruments with implants due to the lack of visibility and difficulty in localizing pre-drilled bores in intramedullary nails, requiring manual stabilization and limited compatibility with various power tool sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A distal targeting device with an adjustable attachment mechanism that includes a bridge with clasp arms and a field generator, allowing for rigid coupling to power tools of different sizes and shapes, and a transverse-entry opening for the drill bit to simplify alignment and reduce manual stabilization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed attachment device is used for distal targeting systems, then the device can be manufactured with simple structure, but it cannot accommodate power tools of various sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates adjustable clamp arms that can be positioned at different distances from the attachment member, allowing the device to adapt to various power tool sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without requiring multiple fixed-size attachment devices
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different power tool types (drills, drivers, reamers) through its adjustable clamp mechanism. The same attachment device structure serves multiple functions across different tool types, achieving universality without proportionally increasing complexity
2Measurement precision
If manual stabilization is used to hold the distal targeting device, then the device structure can be simpler, but alignment precision with the implant decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device pre-establishes a stable mechanical connection between the distal targeting device and the power tool before the surgical alignment procedure begins. This preliminary rigid coupling eliminates the need for manual stabilization during alignment, providing consistent precision without requiring complex manual control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device acts as an intermediary component that mechanically couples the distal targeting device to the power tool, transferring and stabilizing the alignment relationship. This intermediary structure provides stable alignment precision that exceeds manual stabilization while maintaining reasonable device complexity
3Reliability
If the drill bit insertion alignment is complex, then the coupling can be more secure, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device features a transverse-entry opening that allows the drill bit to self-align and insert into the coupling element without complex alignment procedures. The drill bit's own geometry and the opening's design work together to achieve secure coupling through a simple insertion motion, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise alignment of surgical instruments with implants, enhances compatibility with a wide range of power tools, and reduces manual effort during surgical procedures by providing a universal mounting solution for distal targeting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The field generator includes circuitry for generating one or more magnetic fields. The intramedullary nail can include one or more sensors each having one or more field transponders configured to detect the direction and strength of the magnetic fields generated by the field generator.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A distal targeting device for a surgical instrument includes a field generator having a coupling element configured to receive a shaft that is elongate along an axis and a bridge connectable to the field generator so as to be spaced from the field generator in a proximal direction with respect to the axis. The bridge includes an attachment device that is connectable to a tool that is configured to manipulate the shaft. The bridge also includes a pair of arms configured to clasp a body of the tool in a manner substantially rigidly coupling the bridge to the tool. At least one of the arms is positionable with respect to the attachment member at a distance that is adjustable so as to enable the arms to substantially rigidly clasp tool bodies having one or more of various shapes and sizes.