Surgical Bone Forceps Friction Locking Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical bone holding forceps with drilling guides are limited in their ability to drill parallel to the pointed jaws and often require complex, prone-to-damage ratcheted mechanisms for locking, which are not adaptable to different bone sizes or precise enough for orthopedic applications like ACL reconstruction.

Innovation Solution

The design features scissors-shaped forceps with a guide shaft parallel to the clamping tips, a hinged drill guide with adjustable bore diameters, and a friction-based locking mechanism using an arch-shaped friction bar and brake lever for precise control and adaptability, allowing for parallel drilling and single-handed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ratcheted locking mechanism is used to retain the forceps arms in position, then the forceps can be locked securely, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to damage and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional ratcheted mechanical locking system with a friction-based locking mechanism. The friction lever creates frictional contact with the friction bar to prevent opening of the forceps arms, eliminating complex ratchet teeth and springs while maintaining secure locking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the complex ratcheted mechanism entirely from the forceps design. By eliminating the ratchet teeth, ratchet plate, and associated springs, the patent simplifies the locking system while retaining the essential function of securing the forceps arms in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If a fixed drill guide is used on traditional forceps, then drilling can be guided, but the guide works properly for only a single position and one bone size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different bone sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed drill guide into a dynamic, adjustable system. The drill guide element can be repositioned along the forceps arm and rotated to different angles, allowing it to adapt to various bone sizes and drilling requirements while maintaining precise drilling guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable drill guide element serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different drill sizes through interchangeable guide elements, adapt to different bone sizes by repositioning along the forceps arm, and maintain precise drilling guidance through rotational adjustment. This single component replaces multiple fixed guides designed for specific applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the drill guide is positioned distally closer to the bone for higher precision, then drilling precision improves, but the space for the guide shaft becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling precisionVSAvoidguide shaft space

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the drill guide element within the structure of the forceps arm, allowing it to be positioned distally close to the bone for high precision while utilizing the existing structural space. The guide element integrates with the forceps architecture rather than requiring separate external mounting space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If a friction-based locking mechanism is used instead of ratcheting, then wear and damage are reduced, but the mechanism must provide sufficient friction to prevent slippage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidfriction holding force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different material properties for the friction bar and friction lever to optimize frictional engagement. The friction bar is integrated into the forceps arm structure while the friction lever is a separate component that applies normal force through frictional contact, creating a durable and reliable locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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, adaptable, and robust drilling parallel to the forceps' tips in all positions, maintaining closure with a reliable friction brake, suitable for various orthopedic procedures including ACL reconstruction without ratcheting wear, and accommodating different bone sizes and drill sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a friction-based locking mechanism that retains the forceps arms in position with the jaws clamped to the bone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10172631B2Surgical bone holding forceps with a drilling guide

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 KYON

AI summary

The invention relates to surgical bone holding forceps provided with a drilling guide that allows for drilling parallel to the pointed jaws of the forceps clamped to a bone. Another aspect of the invention is the friction-based, stepless locking mechanism that retains the forceps arms in position with the jaws clamped to the bone.