Cannulated Plastic Torque Limiting Driver for High-Torque Surgical Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable torque-limiting drivers in the medical industry face challenges in imparting higher torques required for larger applications, as traditional piecemeal drivetrain systems are unreliable and require multiple part-to-part torque transitions.
Innovation Solution
A torque-limiting driver design featuring a shaft with thread rests and a spring mechanism that securely engages within a square drive socket, allowing for relative rotation up to a predetermined torque limit, and disengaging when exceeded, with a lumen for potential delivery of biologic materials, and a robust construction using plastic or composite materials for enhanced torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If piecemeal drivetrain systems are used to gear-up torque in disposable devices, then greater torque can be imparted, but the system becomes less reliable due to multiple part-to-part torque transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drivetrain components into a single integrated shaft structure made of plastic or composite material. The shaft directly transfers torque from the drive socket through the entire length to the workpiece-engaging tip, eliminating multiple part-to-part torque transitions and improving reliability while maintaining high torque capability.
2Measurement precision
If reusable torque-limiting drivers are used, then precise torque can be imparted, but constant recalibration and sterilization are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable torque-limiting driver where the entire device or key components are made of plastic or composite materials. After single use, the device is discarded, eliminating the need for recalibration and sterilization while maintaining factory-pre-set torque precision for each individual device.
3Ease of operation
If traditional disposable drivers are used for low torque applications, then they can be discarded after use, but they cannot reliably impart higher torques for larger applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic or composite materials for the shaft and drivetrain components, enabling disposable construction to withstand higher torque loads. The composite material construction provides sufficient strength and rigidity to reliably impart torques up to 40 inch-ounces or more in disposable applications.
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 reliable, high-torque transfer with reduced part-to-part transitions, maintaining precision and accuracy, and is designed for disposable use to prevent cross-patient contamination, with a torque range of up to 40 inch-ounces, suitable for various surgical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring between the upper cylindrical shank and the nut, wherein the spring is configured to apply a force across the upper cylindrical shank and the lower cylindrical shank
Data Source
AI summary
A torque-limiting device may include a shaft extending axially through upper and lower shanks, a spring, and a nut to an end opening of a handle. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities. The shaft may be of a plastic material and include a lumen extending there through, and through which a variety of devices and materials may be delivered to a workpiece.