Friction Drive Surgical Cable Tensioning Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable tensioning tools in orthopedic surgery are cumbersome, slow to operate, and prone to mechanical malfunctions, leading to delays and increased risk of complications during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A pistol grip tensioning device with ergonomic design and a friction drive mechanism that allows for precise and rapid tensioning of surgical cables, featuring offset cable clamp assemblies for improved visualization and tactile feedback, and modular design for easy cleaning and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional cable tensioning tools are used, then cable tensioning can be achieved, but the operation time is excessive and surgical delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tensioning speedVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional threaded drive mechanism with a friction drive system. The friction drive uses a drive rod with a friction surface that contacts the cable directly, allowing rapid tensioning through simple linear motion rather than requiring multiple rotations of threaded components. This mechanical substitution eliminates the time-consuming threading operation while maintaining effective cable tensioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning device is segmented into distinct functional components: a separate drive rod for applying force, a friction surface for force transmission, and a cable contact point. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables rapid assembly and operation during surgery, reducing overall procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional cable tensioning tools are used, then cable tensioning can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and mechanical malfunctions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidtensioning tool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex threaded drive mechanism from conventional tensioning tools. By removing the threads, multiple rotation joints, and associated locking mechanisms, the design achieves cable tensioning through a simple friction-based linear drive. This extraction of unnecessary complexity directly reduces the likelihood of mechanical malfunctions and device jamming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction drive mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through friction control. The drive rod maintains contact with the cable through controlled friction without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex adjustment systems. This self-service approach reduces mechanical components that could fail while maintaining reliable force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional cable tensioning tools are used, then cable tensioning can be achieved, but the operation difficulty increases under surgical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensioning tool operabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement of the threaded drive with a friction drive fundamentally simplifies the operation. Instead of requiring the surgeon to rotate and thread the cable through complex mechanisms, the friction drive allows simple linear pushing motion to rapidly tension the cable. This mechanical substitution makes the device much easier to operate under the time constraints and stress of surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If conventional cable tensioning tools are used, then cable tensioning can be achieved, but the precision of cable positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tension precisionVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The friction drive system provides superior precision control compared to threaded mechanisms. The friction contact allows for smooth, continuous adjustment of cable tension without the discrete steps inherent in threaded systems. The surgeon can precisely control the amount of force applied through the friction interface, enabling accurate positioning and tensioning without complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 pistol grip tensioning device enhances surgical efficiency by reducing operation time, minimizing the risk of mechanical malfunctions, and improving precision in cable tensioning, thereby reducing patient recovery time and infection risk.

Implementation Method 1

a friction drive mechanism that allows for precise and rapid tensioning of surgical cables

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9216047B2Surgical cable tensioning apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 PIONEER SURGICAL TECH INC

AI summary

A cable tensioning apparatus and method are provided for positioning and tensioning a surgical cable to skeletal tissue or to implants. The invention is most applicable for securing surgical cable and/or orthopedic implants to bone in orthopedic surgery. A linearly translated drive rod attached to cable is driven by a friction drive to create tension on the surgical cable.