Gear Shifter for Reversible Power Pedicle Screwdriver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools used in orthopedic surgery, such as pedicle screwdrivers, are cumbersome and not intuitive for surgeons, requiring multiple buttons or actuators for reversing output shaft rotation during insertion and removal of pedicle screws, which complicates surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A gear shifter apparatus with a housing, input shaft, output shaft, and idler shaft, featuring axially located helical gears that allow for reversible output shaft rotation by changing the gear coupling configuration within the housing, enabling easy switching between insertion and removal modes with minimal operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple buttons or actuators are provided for reversing output shaft rotation, then the rotation reversal function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation reversal function with the existing trigger mechanism by integrating a gear shifter into the trigger assembly. This allows the surgeon to control both insertion and removal modes through a single integrated component rather than separate buttons or actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear shifter mechanism provides multi-functionality by enabling the same trigger to control both insertion (forward rotation) and removal (reverse rotation) operations. The gear shifter can be positioned in different locations (e.g., proximal, distal, or lateral to the trigger) to provide the reversal function, making the system more versatile and easier to operate.
2Ease of operation
If multiple buttons or actuators are provided for reversing output shaft rotation, then the rotation reversal function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation reversal function with the existing trigger mechanism by integrating a gear shifter into the trigger assembly. This allows the surgeon to control both insertion and removal modes through a single integrated component rather than separate buttons or actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear shifter mechanism provides multi-functionality by enabling the same trigger to control both insertion (forward rotation) and removal (reverse rotation) operations. The gear shifter can be positioned in different locations (e.g., proximal, distal, or lateral to the trigger) to provide the reversal function, making the system more versatile and easier to operate.
3Ease of operation
If gear shifter is integrated into trigger assembly, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power tool into distinct functional modules: the trigger assembly, the gear shifter mechanism, and the motor housing. The gear shifter can be manufactured as a separate component and then assembled into the trigger assembly, which simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the integrated functionality that improves ease of operation.
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 gear shifter simplifies the operation of power tools by providing intuitive and easy-to-use reversible output shaft rotation, reducing operator error and enhancing surgical efficiency by allowing continuous tactile feedback during pedicle screw insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
A gear shifter apparatus with a housing, input shaft, output shaft, and idler shaft, featuring axially located helical gears that allow for reversible output shaft rotation by changing the gear coupling configuration within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are gear shifters to reverse an output shaft rotation and a method for using the same. A gear shifter in accordance with the present invention may include a housing, an input shaft, an output shaft and an idler shaft. The input shaft may have input gears, the output shaft may have output gears and the idler shaft may have idler gears. The output shaft may be slidably coupled with the input shaft and the idler shaft to rotate in a first direction in a first position and in a second opposite direction in a second position. A method of reversing an output shaft direction using a gear shifter may include the steps of pushing the gear shifter in a first direction to rotate the output shaft in a first direction and pushing the gear shifter in a second direction to rotate the output shaft in a second direction.