Disposable Bone Implant Tool with Elastic Torque Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools for implanting bone nails lack the ability to measure torque during insertion, leading to potential excessive stress on bone tissue, and are not suitable for disinfection and sterilization, increasing the risk of infection and affecting treatment quality.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a rod with a coupling portion, a measuring arm, and a force applying arm, which allows for the measurement of torque through elastic deformation and indicator portions, enabling controlled rotation and disinfection/sterilization at high temperatures, ensuring safe and effective bone nail implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional precision instruments are used to measure torque, then measurement precision is improved, but the instrument cannot proceed with disinfection and sterilization, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable rod made of plastic material that can be sterilized at high temperatures (autoclave sterilization at 121°C or 134°C). The rod includes a force applying arm with elastic deformation capability that provides torque measurement functionality. After use, the entire rod is discarded, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization of precision instruments while ensuring sterility during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional precision mechanical torque measurement instruments with a mechanical elastic deformation-based measurement system. The force applying arm undergoes elastic deformation proportional to the applied torque, and this deformation is indicated visually through indicator portions on the rod. This mechanical substitution allows for torque measurement without requiring complex precision instruments that cannot be sterilized.
2Device complexity
If no torque measurement is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but excessive force may be applied, increasing object-affected harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time torque feedback through indicator portions (first and second indicator portions) on the rod. As the surgeon applies torque to insert the bone nail, the force applying arm deforms elastically, and the indicator portions move to indicate the current torque level. This visual feedback allows the surgeon to monitor and control the applied torque, preventing excessive force that could damage bone tissue, while keeping the device structure simple and disposable.
3Reliability
If a disposable rod is used, then reliability for sterilization is improved, but manufacturing precision must be sufficient to ensure proper function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular material parameters for the rod, including plastic material with specific elastic properties that allow controlled deformation within a defined range. The force applying arm is designed with specific geometric parameters (length, cross-section, wall thickness) that ensure it deforms elastically within the safe torque range (0-35 Ncm) while maintaining structural integrity. These parameter specifications enable mass production of disposable rods with sufficient functional precision without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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 tool allows for precise control of torque during bone nail insertion, preventing tissue injury and facilitating safe medical procedures by providing real-time torque feedback and ensuring the tool's sterility, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The force applying arm is elastically deformable away from the measuring arm to displace the second extension section relative to the first extension section
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for a bone implant includes a rod and an adaptor. The rod includes a coupling portion having a through-hole. The rod further includes a measuring arm connected to the coupling portion and a force applying arm connected to the coupling portion. The measuring arm includes a first extension section having a first indicator portion, and the force applying arm includes a second extension section having a second indicator portion. The force applying arm is elastically deformable away from the measuring arm to displace the second extension section relative to the first extension section. The adaptor is coupled in the through-hole and includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is rotatable relative to the inner ring in a single direction.