Geared Angled Awl for Precise Pilot Holes in Spinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional awls are linear and unable to create angled pilot holes or fastener holes, often obstructed by bodily objects, and lack efficient power transmission for secure implant fixation in spinal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a geared mechanism that includes an angled sleeve and a bone piercing tool, allowing for angled hole creation and efficient power transmission through a push-button actuated rotational system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear awls are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to create angled pilot holes is lost and access to difficult-to-reach areas is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angled shaft that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer shaft, enabling the bone piercing tool to create holes at various angles. This dimensional change allows the tool to access difficult-to-reach areas and create angled pilot holes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through the use of guide mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a guide mechanism including an angled sleeve and angled shaft that acts as an intermediary between the linear push-button actuation and the angled bone piercing action. This intermediary system translates linear motion into angled rotational motion, providing versatility without requiring complex direct actuation mechanisms.
2Power
If conventional linear awls are used, then the device is simple to operate, but power transmission efficiency is insufficient for secure implant fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple linear mechanical actuation with a geared rotational mechanism. The push button actuates a gear system that converts linear motion into rotational motion of the bone piercing tool, significantly improving power transmission efficiency and enabling secure implant fixation while maintaining ease of operation through the push-button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism enables periodic rotational action of the bone piercing tool, allowing for efficient cutting and drilling through bone tissue. The rotational motion is transmitted through meshed gears that provide mechanical advantage and control the periodic engagement of the bone piercing tool with the bone, enhancing power transmission.
3Productivity
If angled shafts and gear mechanisms are added, then power transmission and angled hole creation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the angled shaft and gear mechanisms are housed within the outer shaft. The angled sleeve contains the angled shaft, and the gear system is integrated within the longitudinal structure of the device. This nesting allows complex functional components to be compactly arranged without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: the outer shaft provides structural support and guidance, the angled shaft enables angled hole creation, the gear mechanism provides power transmission, and the push button offers easy actuation. This multi-functionality increases surgical efficiency while keeping the device structure integrated and manageable rather than separate and complex.
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 precise, angled hole creation in difficult-to-reach areas with reduced risk of bone cracking and improved implant stability, facilitating secure fastener installation.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft and a second gear meshed with the first gear, the second gear coupled to the angled shaft
Implementation Method 2
an inner shaft having a first threaded portion and extending through the outer shaft along the central axis between the proximal end and the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device having an angled awl is disclosed. The surgical device includes an outer shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a central axis. An angled sleeve is positioned on the distal end and is angled relative to the central axis. The outer shaft houses a driving mechanism including an inner shaft and one or more driving elements configured to translate a bone piercing tool along a trajectory between a non-deployed position and a deployed position upon actuation of a push button. The bone piercing tool is housed within the angled sleeve so that a trajectory of the bone piercing tool forms an angle with the central axis. The angled sleeve also houses a first gear and a second gear, the second gear being coupled to the bone piercing tool and the first gear and second gear being oriented at an angle relative to each other.