Articulating Rod Bender with Drive Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical rod bending devices require significant physical force and produce non-uniform, segmented bends, making it difficult for users to achieve a smooth and uniform curvature, especially for implantable surgical rods in spinal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An articulating surgical rod bender assembly with a drive wheel system and guide element that allows for simultaneous rotation of drive wheels, providing a mechanical advantage to bend the rod uniformly along its length without the need for multiple clamping points, enabling a smooth and consistent curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing rod bending devices are used, then bending force can be applied to the rod, but the device requires high physical exertion and produces non-uniform segmented bends
Solution Approach 1:
The rod bending device divides the rod into multiple contact points along its length, with each contact point applying localized bending force. The device includes a series of rollers or contact elements that can independently engage different portions of the rod, allowing simultaneous multi-point bending to achieve uniform curvature without requiring excessive physical effort from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple bending functions into a single integrated apparatus. By merging several bending points and force application mechanisms into one device, it enables simultaneous multi-location bending of the rod, producing a smooth uniform curve rather than segmented bends that would require multiple separate operations.
2Shape
If multiple clamping points are used to bend the rod, then curvature can be achieved, but the process produces segmented bends rather than a smooth curve
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different bending forces at different locations along the rod simultaneously. Each contact point or roller applies a localized bending moment tailored to the specific geometric requirements at that position, with the combined effect producing a smooth continuous curve rather than segmented bends. The local quality of bending force varies along the rod length to achieve uniform curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous contact with the rod along its length during the bending operation. Multiple contact points engage the rod simultaneously and continuously, applying bending forces throughout the entire bending process. This continuous action ensures a smooth uniform curve is formed without interruptions that would create segmented bends.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing devices are used for rod bending, then bending can be performed, but the device complexity increases without improving bend uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The rod bending device is designed as a universal apparatus that can bend rods to various curvatures and radii by adjusting a single control mechanism. The device incorporates adjustable contact points and force distribution systems that adapt to different bending requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices or complex reconfiguration procedures while maintaining uniform bend quality.
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
The solution enables users to bend surgical rods with reduced physical effort and produces a uniform curvature along the length of the rod, improving the efficiency and accuracy of surgical rod preparation for implantation.
Implementation Method 1
providing a mechanical advantage to bend the rod uniformly along its length
Implementation Method 2
drive wheel system that allows for simultaneous rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating surgical rod bender assembly includes first and second support members pivotably connected at an interface, a first drive wheel rotatably attached to the first support member, a second drive wheel rotatably attached to the first support member and coupled with the first drive wheel, and means for rotating the first drive wheel so that rotation of the first drive wheel causes rotation of the second drive wheel to advance a surgical rod through the assembly. The assembly also includes a guide element selectively positionable so that a surgical rod positioned with a first side contacting the first drive wheel, an opposing second side contacting the second drive wheel, and one of the first and second sides contacting the guide element is bent to a desired curvature or radius of curvature by the guide element and the first and/or second drive wheels as is passes through the assembly.