Extended Tab Breakaway Tool With Pivoting Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgery tools face challenges in efficiently transferring forces from external to internal components of extended tabs of bone anchors while allowing easy separation of these tabs from the anchor head during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tab breaker system with dual handles and rails, utilizing a pivot mechanism and magnets or locking assemblies, allows for easy separation of extended tabs from the anchor head by pivoting the rails to break the tabs off, facilitating force transfer and retention during spinal procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extended tabs are used to extend outside the cavity for manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but the force required to separate tabs from anchor head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly is segmented into distinct components: the anchor head, extended tabs, and a breakaway portion. This segmentation allows the tabs to be manipulated externally while connected, then easily separated by breaking at the predetermined weak point, resolving the contradiction between needing external manipulation capability and reducing separation force requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway portion acts as an intermediary element between the anchor head and extended tabs. This intermediate structure with reduced thickness serves as a mechanical weak point that facilitates easy separation after the tabs have served their manipulation purpose, allowing force transfer during use but requiring minimal force for separation
2Strength
If tabs are made rigid for force transfer, then strength is improved, but ease of separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the tab structure have different mechanical properties: the main tab body is made rigid for effective force transfer during manipulation, while the breakaway portion is designed with reduced thickness and lower structural integrity. This local variation in quality allows the tab to be strong where needed but easy to separate at the predetermined break point
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure is divided into a strong main body for force transfer and a weak breakaway portion for easy separation. This segmentation creates a built-in separation mechanism that maintains strength during use but enables easy detachment when needed, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and ease of separation
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
Enables efficient force transfer and easy separation of extended tabs from the anchor head, reducing the applied force required and enhancing the stability and efficiency of spinal stabilization procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet or locking assembly in the rail configured to retain the rail in the outward position
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for breaking tabs of a vertebral bone anchor can include a tip, a first rail, and a second rail. The tip can be positionable over a housing of a vertebral bone anchor. The first rail can be pivotably coupled to the tip and can extend proximally away from the tip. The first rail can be configured to receive a first extended tab therein. The first rail can be pivotable with respect to the tip between a first upright position and a first outward position to break the first extended tab from the housing. The second rail can be pivotably coupled to the tip and can extend proximally away from the tip.