Intramedullary Nail Adapter Interface for Multi-Size Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for actuating intramedullary nails lack variability and require separate tools for different nail diameters, leading to inefficiencies in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adapter piece that can be quickly exchanged to accommodate intramedullary nails of varying sizes, allowing a single actuation device to be used with different nail geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for different intramedullary nail diameters, then each device can be optimized for its specific nail size, but the number of devices required increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an adapter piece with a first adapter engagement section that can connect to different actuating shafts with varying second adapter engagement sections. This universal adapter design allows a single device to accommodate multiple intramedullary nail diameters and geometries, eliminating the need for separate optimized devices for each nail size while maintaining reliable actuation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are maintained for different nail sizes, then each device can be precisely matched to specific nail geometries, but storage space increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: an adapter piece that can be detached and replaced, and an actuating shaft. The adapter piece contains engagement sections that can be configured to match different nail geometries. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different intramedullary nails by simply exchanging the adapter piece rather than storing multiple complete devices, reducing storage space and overall cost.
3Device complexity
If a single device is used for multiple nail sizes without an adapter, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different nail geometries is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter piece serves as an intermediary component between the actuating shaft and the intramedullary nail. It translates the rotational movement from the actuating shaft into the specific engagement pattern required by different nail geometries. This intermediary adapter allows a single simplified actuating shaft design to work with multiple nail sizes and configurations without increasing the complexity of the main actuating mechanism.
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 efficient and cost-effective use of a single device for multiple nail sizes, reducing the need for multiple tools and minimizing surgical stress on patients.
Implementation Method 1
the radial extension of the wound spring element can be reduced by tensioning the spring element in the winding direction and can be increased by detensioning the spring element counter to the winding direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device (200) for actuating an intramedullary nail (1) is proposed, which extends in the axial longitudinal direction (L) and comprises a proximal end (202) and a distal end (204), and comprises an actuating shaft (300, 600) which is associated with an actuating element (400, 700), and which comprises at its distal end (304, 604) an engagement section (306, 606) for engaging in, and rotating or retaining, a counterpart complementary thereto, wherein an adapter piece (500, 800) is arranged between the distal end (304, 604) of the actuating shaft (300, 600) and the distal end (204) of the device (200), which adapter piece (500, 800) is connected in a rotatably fixed manner to the engagement section (306, 606) of the actuating shaft (300, 600) at the distal end (304, 604) of the actuating shaft (300, 600), and which comprises, at the distal end (204) of the device (200), an engagement section (506, 806), which is complementary to an engagement section (32, 1032) of the anchor element (24, 1024) of an oppositely arrangeable intramedullary nail (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to an adapter piece (500, 800) and an adapter set, as well as a set for providing a device (200) according to the invention.