Expandable Reamer Cutting Head with Rotatable Cutters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic procedures require multiple reamers for intramedullary reaming, increasing surgery time and sterilization cycles, as adjusting the reaming diameter with existing expandable reamers is cumbersome and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A single expandable intramedullary reamer cutting head with rotatable elongated cutters that adjust their cutting diameter by rotating about a pivot axis, allowing for easy adjustment of the reaming diameter without tool changes, integrated into a disposable system to reduce the number of components and sterilization cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reamers are used for intramedullary reaming, then different reaming diameters can be achieved, but surgery time increases and multiple sterilization cycles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The reamer incorporates adjustable cutting elements that can dynamically change the cutting diameter during the procedure. The cutting elements are positioned on adjustable arms that can be moved between retracted and extended positions, allowing the reaming diameter to be adapted without replacing the entire reamer tool
Solution Approach 2:
A single reamer tool is designed to perform multiple reaming diameter functions through its adjustable cutting elements. The device can accommodate different reaming sizes (e.g., 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm) using the same tool body with adjustable cutting element positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized reamers
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reamers are used for intramedullary reaming, then different reaming diameters can be achieved, but the number of sterilization cycles increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reaming functions are merged into a single reamer tool. The device integrates multiple cutting element assemblies that can be adjusted to provide different reaming diameters, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate reamer instruments into one unified tool
Solution Approach 2:
The reamer is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple reaming diameter functions. The adjustable cutting elements allow the same tool body to accommodate various reaming sizes, reducing the total number of components that require sterilization
3Device complexity
If conventional reamers are used, then the structure is simple, but adjusting the reaming diameter is cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting elements are mounted on dynamically adjustable arms that can be easily moved between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the operator to change the reaming diameter by simply moving the cutting elements along the arms, making the adjustment process intuitive and straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The reamer is segmented into modular components including the tool body, adjustable arms, and cutting elements. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the cutting element positions on the arms without affecting the overall tool structure, simplifying the diameter adjustment process
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
This solution reduces the number of surgical tools needed, decreases surgery time by allowing diameter adjustments with the reamer still on a guidewire, and minimizes the number of components undergoing sterilization, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The blades in expanded state thereof are shape memorized and in a natural state are urged by a restoring force of the shape memory alloy so that the other ends of the distal end sides of the blades are flared into a direction spaced away from each other
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A medical device comprising a rotatable cutter head having a center longitudinal rotation axis; the rotatable cutter head comprising a mandrel and a plurality of elongated cutters disposed on the mandrel; each of the elongated cutters rotatable about a cutter rotation axis, respectively, wherein rotation of each of the elongated cutters about the cutter rotation axis changes a cutting diameter of the rotatable cutter head; each cutter rotation axis having a length which simultaneously extends both longitudinally along the center longitudinal rotation axis and circumferentially around the center longitudinal rotation axis; and each cutter rotation axis parallel with a first imaginary plane, respectively, which is at an angle with a second imaginary plane which is parallel to the center longitudinal axis, respectively.