Handheld Microfracture Instrument With Angled Impact Tip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfracture procedures require multiple operators due to the interdependence of tools like awls and hammers, leading to inconsistent hole creation, excessive force application, and potential damage to subchondral bone, while existing power-driven devices lack portability and precision.
Innovation Solution
A handheld surgical instrument that can be operated with one hand, providing precise control over hole creation with variable angles, using a combination of energy storage elements, impact mechanisms, and power transmission systems to align force direction with the tip, and featuring disposable tips for enhanced precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple operators are used with traditional awl and hammer methods, then hole creation can be performed, but operational consistency and precision deteriorate due to subjective and uncontrolled force delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hammer and awl mechanical system with a power-driven device that delivers controlled, consistent force through a motorized impacting mechanism, eliminating subjective force delivery and improving hole creation precision while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an automated impacting mechanism that self-regulates force delivery through controlled activation, eliminating the need for multiple operators to coordinate manual force application while maintaining operational consistency
2Productivity
If aggressive force is applied to remove the awl tip, then bone penetration is achieved, but tip breakage and bone damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual force application with a power-driven impacting mechanism that delivers controlled, consistent force to penetrate bone efficiently while minimizing tip breakage and bone damage through regulated force delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a controlled activation mechanism that regulates force delivery in advance, preventing excessive force application that could cause tip breakage or bone damage while maintaining effective bone penetration
3Extent of automation
If external power sources like compressed air are used, then automated microfracture is achieved, but portability and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power source, impacting mechanism, and handling functions into a single self-contained handheld device that operates autonomously without external power sources, enabling automated microfracture while maintaining portability and accessibility to various surgical sites
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the power source, impacting mechanism, and handle into an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate external power sources like compressed air systems while maintaining automated functionality and portability
4Reliability
If manual hammering is used to create holes, then bone marrow access is achieved, but hole size and depth consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hammering with a power-driven impacting mechanism that delivers consistent, controlled force to create holes with uniform size and depth, improving both reliability of bone marrow access and precision of hole dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates controlled activation mechanisms that regulate force delivery based on predetermined parameters, ensuring consistent hole size and depth while maintaining reliable bone marrow access through feedback-regulated impacting
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 single-operator control over hole size, shape, and depth, reducing damage to subchondral bone and improving clinical outcomes by ensuring consistent and controlled access to bone marrow for tissue repair.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention comprises a handheld surgical instrument for creating holes in tissue... an energy storage element, wherein the energy storage element is a spring
Implementation Method 2
A power transmission mechanism is configured to transmit energy from the energy storage element to the impacting mechanism, wherein the power transmission mechanism includes a semi-flexible metal wire guided by a hollow shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld surgical instrument comprising an energy storage element, wherein the energy storage element is a spring coupled to the impacting mechanism, an impacting mechanism has a tip configured to impact a bone, wherein the tip includes a tapered point, a power transmission mechanism is configured to transmit energy from the energy storage element to the impacting mechanism, wherein the power transmission mechanism includes a semi-flexible metal wire guided by a hollow shaft, wherein the hollow shaft includes a distal end, the semi-flexible metal wire is includes a bend toward the distal end, a trigger mechanism is configured to release energy from the energy storage element, wherein the bend includes an angle between 14 degrees and 46 degrees, wherein the trigger mechanism includes a manual lever which, when actuated, simultaneously retracts the tip and charges the energy storage element.