Cannulated Torque-Limiting Driver for High-Torque Medical Applications
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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 they are typically limited to lower torque values and lack reliability in transferring torque without requiring piecemeal drivetrain systems.
Innovation Solution
A torque-limiting driver design featuring a body with a handle, upper and lower cylindrical shanks, a spring, and a shaft with a lumen, where the upper and lower shanks engage for relative rotation up to a predetermined torque limit and disengage when exceeded, allowing for higher torque transfer without the need for piecemeal systems, and optionally includes a lumen for delivering biologic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable drivers are used for high torque applications, then reliability of torque transfer is improved, but device complexity increases due to piecemeal drivetrain systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive shaft and driver body into a single integrated disposable unit, eliminating the need for separate piecemeal drivetrain components. The drive shaft is directly engaged within the driver body through a drive socket, creating a unified structure that transfers torque reliably without multiple part-to-part transitions, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If piecemeal drivetrain systems are used, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but number of part-to-part torque transitions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated disposable driver is designed with universal applicability through standardized drive sockets that can accommodate various drive shaft configurations. The single-unit construction maintains adaptability across different surgical applications while minimizing torque transitions by eliminating intermediate components, achieving both versatility and simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If reusable drivers are used, then manufacturing precision of torque can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable drivers that are factory-calibrated with precise torque characteristics and discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for surgical staff to perform recalibration operations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled factory calibration processes. The disposable nature ensures each unit starts with known precise torque settings without requiring maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If disposable drivers are used, then ease of operation is improved, but torque capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the design parameters of disposable drivers by using larger diameter drive shafts and optimized drive socket geometries that enable high torque capacity. The integrated construction allows for increased moment of inertia and improved torque transfer surfaces, enabling disposable units to achieve the torque capacities previously requiring reusable systems, thus resolving the limitation while maintaining 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
The design enables reliable and precise transfer of higher torques, up to 13.56 Newton Meters, while reducing the number of part-to-part torque transitions, and is resistant to sterilization, improving the efficiency and reliability of surgical procedures.
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
Implementation Method 2
the upper cylindrical shank and the lower cylindrical shank engage for relative rotation
Implementation Method 3
a shaft having a workpiece-engaging tip and a drive connection engaged within the drive socket of the lower cylindrical shank, the shaft extending axially through the lower cylindrical shank, the upper cylindrical shank, and the spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A cannulated torque-limiting device with one or more lumen therein which may mate with an additional operational tool. An Α-O tip engagement for receiving and securing tips and tools for varying applications and needs is also disclosed.