Deflectable Osteotome with Torque Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for treating hard tissues, such as osteotomes, lack effective mechanisms for controlled deflection and torque management, which can lead to component damage and inefficient bone access.
Innovation Solution
The medical device incorporates a deflectable working end portion with a torque release mechanism and an indicator to communicate deflection direction, allowing for controlled deflection and preventing component damage by uncoupling when excessive torque is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the working end portion is made rigid for effective bone treatment, then the strength and effectiveness of bone treatment is improved, but the device cannot deflect to access curved pathways and may suffer component damage from excessive torque
Solution Approach 1:
The working end portion is divided into multiple segments (first portion, second portion, third portion) that can deflect relative to each other. The first portion includes a distal end for bone treatment, the second portion includes a junction that can deflect, and the third portion extends proximally. This segmentation allows the distal end to access curved pathways while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design that accommodates controlled deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The working end portion is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to deflect from an initial linear configuration to a curved configuration in response to applied torque. The device transitions from a rigid linear state to a flexible curved state, enabling adaptation to anatomical variations while maintaining strength when needed for bone treatment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working end portion is made deflectable to access curved pathways, then the adaptability and access to hard tissues is improved, but the device lacks torque management and may suffer component damage
Solution Approach 1:
A torque release mechanism is pre-configured in the device that activates when excessive torque is applied. This mechanism includes a release element that can disengage from a locking element, allowing the working end portion to deflect without causing component damage. The torque release mechanism is prepared in advance to protect the device during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque release mechanism acts as a protective cushion against excessive torque. When torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the release element disengages from the locking element, allowing controlled deflection and preventing damage to the working end portion or other device components. This beforehand protection ensures reliability during procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the working end portion deflects to access curved pathways, then the ease of operation and bone access is improved, but the practitioner lacks information on deflection direction and magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator element is provided that changes its visual appearance based on the deflection state of the working end portion. The indicator can display different colors, orientations, or positions corresponding to different deflection directions and magnitudes. This visual feedback allows the practitioner to understand the current state of deflection without losing information about the device's configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element provides real-time feedback to the practitioner about the deflection status of the working end portion. As the device deflects in response to applied torque, the indicator communicates the direction and magnitude of deflection, enabling the practitioner to control the device effectively and understand its position and orientation during the procedure.
4Reliability
If a torque release mechanism is added to prevent component damage, then the reliability and protection from damage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque release mechanism is designed to operate automatically without requiring external control or complex actuation systems. The release element responds autonomously to excessive torque by disengaging from the locking element, allowing the working end portion to deflect and preventing component damage. This self-service mechanism protects the device without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices such as osteotomes are provided. The medical device may include inner and outer members that form a working end portion. Distal end portions of the inner and outer members can cooperate to allow deflection of the working end portion. Medical devices including indicators are also provided. The indicator may communicate a direction of deflection of the working end portion to a practitioner. Additionally, medical devices including torque release mechanisms are provided. The torque release mechanism may uncouple a first portion of the medical device from a second portion of the medical device when an amount of torque applied to the medical device exceeds a predetermined value. The torque release mechanism may limit damage to components of the medical device during use of the medical device.