Segmented Flexible Bone Tool Torque Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flexible bone tools face challenges in efficiently advancing into bones, particularly in arthroscopic procedures, due to limitations in torque transmission and flexibility, which can lead to difficulties in forming or widening bone tunnels for graft placement.

Innovation Solution

A flexible bone tool comprising a plurality of links interconnected by a radial interference connection, specifically a snap-fit connection, allowing for bending and torque transmission, enabling the tool to follow curved paths and maintain coupling during bone insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a flexible bone tool uses a rigid shaft structure, then torque transmission is improved, but flexibility and ability to follow curved paths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidflexibility to follow curved paths

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is divided into multiple modular segments that can be interconnected. Each segment maintains rigidity for torque transmission, while the modular nature allows the shaft to bend and follow curved paths when segments are articulated relative to each other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft incorporates flexible elements such as articulation joints or flexible couplings between segments, allowing the rigid segments to move relative to each other while maintaining structural integrity and torque transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible bone tool uses an articulated link structure, then flexibility is improved, but torque transmission capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtorque transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is segmented into modular links with standardized connection interfaces. Each link maintains sufficient structural rigidity to transmit torque, while the segmented design allows articulation for flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection geometry is pre-designed with interference-fit features and torque-transmitting surfaces that ensure adequate torque transmission capability is built into each link connection before use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a flexible bone tool uses a snap-fit connection between links, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection strength and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-fit connection incorporates pre-designed interference-fit features and geometric constraints that ensure proper alignment and engagement. The connection geometry is optimized beforehand to provide sufficient strength and reliability for bone tunnel formation while maintaining ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is segmented into discrete engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that provide multiple contact points, distributing loads and enhancing connection reliability while maintaining simple snap-fit assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If a flexible bone tool uses a solid shaft design, then structural strength is improved, but ability to bend and follow curved paths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidability to bend

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solid shaft is segmented into multiple rigid links connected by articulation joints. Each link maintains structural strength for withstanding bone formation forces, while the segmented configuration allows the overall shaft to bend and follow curved surgical paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft incorporates flexible coupling elements or articulation mechanisms between rigid segments, allowing the structure to bend at joint locations while maintaining overall structural integrity and strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 tool effectively advances into bones, providing sufficient torque for forming or widening bone tunnels, and is adjustable in length and cutting head configuration to suit various surgical needs, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of arthroscopic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one radial protrusion is compressed inwardly by the inner lumen of the subsequent link and advanced distally until the protrusion is allowed to elastically snap into the recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9826985B2Flexible bone tool

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 T A G MEDICAL DEVICES-AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE LTD

AI summary

A flexible bone tool comprising a bone tissue removal element configured at a distal end of the tool, at least two links coupled proximally to the bone tissue removal element, the links connected to each other by a radial interference connection in which at least one radially outwards extending protrusion of a first link is received within a recess of a subsequent link. In some embodiments, the links are interconnected by a “snap-fit” connection. In some embodiments, the flexible bone tool is configured for transferring torque at a magnitude sufficient for drilling and/or reaming a bore in a bone.