Collet-Driveshaft Pivot Interface to Prevent Surgical Wire Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical tools face challenges in efficiently and effectively aligning and engaging pins or wires with collets, leading to potential misalignment and delays in surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A locking interface between the collet and driveshaft of a surgical power tool, allowing the collet to pivot within a bore, featuring a retaining insert and a pivot point, which enhances alignment and prevents binding, utilizing standard components for manufacturing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the collet is rigidly engaged with the driveshaft, then the structural stability is improved, but the alignment flexibility deteriorates causing misalignment and binding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidalignment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collet is designed to pivot within the bore of the driveshaft about a pivot point, transforming the rigid static connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the collet to self-align with pins or wires during insertion while maintaining structural stability when engaged, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and alignment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the collet is freely movable within the bore, then the alignment flexibility is improved, but the rotational control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment flexibilityVSAvoidrotational control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot point acts as an intermediary element between the collet and the driveshaft. It provides a defined rotation center that allows the collet to pivot for alignment while the driveshaft's rotation reliably controls the pin or wire rotation in clockwise, counterclockwise, or oscillating motion, maintaining both flexibility and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If standard components are used for the locking interface, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the precision of alignment may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The design changes the engagement parameters by allowing controlled pivoting motion within the bore rather than requiring precision fixed positioning. This parameter change enables the use of standard components with tolerances while achieving effective alignment through the pivot mechanism, reducing manufacturing costs without sacrificing functional precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260061498A1Collet and driveshaft interface for surgical driver accessory

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

A wire or pin driver for a rotary surgical tool includes a driveshaft having a bore and extending along a longitudinal axis and a collet forming a cannula. The cannula extends from a proximal engagement portion disposed in the bore to a distal gripping end configured to engage an elongated shaft. At least one retaining insert extending between and engaging the proximal engagement portion of the collet and the driveshaft in the bore.