Intramedullary Nail Endcap Driver with Nested Retention Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for fixing fractured bones, particularly in the femur, face challenges in efficiently and securely engaging an endcap within the channel of an intramedullary nail for internal fixation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a driver with a handle and shaft, a retention pin with threading, and an endcap with a head portion and body configured to engage the intramedullary nail, allowing for reversible locking and secure insertion of the endcap into the nail's channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional driver system is used to engage the endcap, then the endcap can be inserted into the intramedullary nail channel, but the risk of accidental disengagement during implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention pin is nested within the shaft channel, sliding freely within it during insertion and then engaging the endcap head portion. This nested configuration allows the retention mechanism to be integrated into the existing driver structure without adding external components, thereby improving reliability while minimizing increased complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retention pin transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can slide longitudinally within the shaft channel. During insertion, the pin moves freely to allow endcap engagement, then locks in place to prevent disengagement. This dynamic behavior provides reliable retention while maintaining a relatively simple driver system structure
2Ease of operation
If the retention pin is made fixed in the shaft, then the driver structure is simplified, but the ability to reversibly lock and unlock the endcap is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The driver system is segmented into distinct functional components: the shaft for guiding the endcap, the retention pin for locking/unlocking, and the handle for operator control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the engagement control intuitive while keeping the overall mechanism manageable in complexity
3Ease of operation
If the driving element is exposed at the distal end of the shaft, then engagement with the endcap head portion is facilitated, but the risk of misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire is inserted through the intramedullary nail channel and endcap lumen beforehand to establish the correct alignment path. The driver and endcap are then guided along this pre-established path, ensuring precise alignment between the driving element and head portion while keeping the driving element accessible for engagement
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 system enables efficient and secure engagement of the endcap within the intramedullary nail, providing stable fixation of the bone while minimizing the risk of accidental disengagement during implantation.
Implementation Method 1
The head portion of the end cap comprises threading configured to threadedly engage a corresponding threading of the retaining pin
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A driver for engaging an endcap of an intramedullary nail. The driver includes a handle extending along a longitudinal axis of the driver from a proximal end to a distal end. The handle having a handle channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The driver also includes a shaft extending through the handle channel from a proximal end to a distal end along the longitudinal axis. The shaft having a shaft channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The distal end of the shaft extends distally from the handle. The distal end of the shaft forms a driving element to be inserted into a head portion of the endcap. The driver further includes a retention pin slidably received in the shaft channel. The retention pin extends also extends along the longitudinal axis. The distal end of the retention pin is configured to reversibly lock the shaft to the head portion of the endcap.