Magnetic Pin Driver for Single-Handed Surgical Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pin alignment methods in total knee arthroplasty require surgeons to use both hands to load and secure pins, leading to potential errors and fatigue, especially when using a 3-jaw chuck or collet system, which can compromise rotational concentricity and alignment accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A pin driver assembly with a hex socket and embedded magnets that securely hold and align pins without requiring both hands, allowing for single-handed operation and maintaining rotational concentricity, eliminating the need for a 3-jaw chuck or collet system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a 3-jaw chuck or collet system is used to secure pins, then the pin can be held and secured, but both hands are required for operation which increases complexity and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the 3-jaw chuck or collet system from the pin driver assembly, extracting the problematic two-handed operation requirement. Instead, a simple magnetic attraction mechanism is used to hold the pin, which can be operated with one hand, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical 3-jaw chuck or collet system with a magnetic field-based retention mechanism. The magnet embedded in the shaft proximal end provides pin retention through magnetic attraction rather than mechanical gripping, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and enabling single-handed operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a 3-jaw chuck or collet system is used to secure pins, then the pin can be held securely, but rotational concentricity and alignment accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical 3-jaw chuck or collet system with a magnetic field-based retention mechanism. The magnet embedded in the shaft proximal end provides pin retention through magnetic attraction rather than mechanical gripping, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from mechanical (3-jaw chuck) to magnetic (embedded magnet). This parameter change in the securing mechanism allows for better rotational concentricity and alignment accuracy while reducing device complexity, as the magnetic field provides uniform radial retention forces.
3Reliability
If both hands are required to load and secure pins, then pin retention can be ensured, but surgeon fatigue increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical 3-jaw chuck or collet system with a magnetic field-based retention mechanism. The magnet embedded in the shaft proximal end provides pin retention through magnetic attraction rather than mechanical gripping, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retention mechanism automatically holds the pin through magnetic attraction when the pin is inserted into the shaft. The pin is retained without requiring manual securing actions, and the magnetic force continuously maintains pin holding, reducing the need for active surgeon intervention and minimizing fatigue.
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 and efficient alignment of pins within a virtual plane, reducing the risk of misalignment and surgeon fatigue, while maintaining rotational stability during bone cutting procedures.
Implementation Method 1
At least one magnet embedded in the shaft proximal end is adapted for attraction and retention of the pin in the shaft proximal end
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A surgical device for pin insertion in a bone of a subject to aid in performing a bone cutting procedure is provided that includes a drive portion configured to drive a pin for insertion into the bone. The drive portion has a pin drive assembly with a shaft having a shaft proximal end. At least one magnet is associated with the shaft proximal end adapted for attraction and retention of the pin in the shaft proximal end. A spindle assembly is adapted to drive the shaft so as to rotate the pin into the bone to a degree of bone retention that overcomes the attraction and the retention of the pin in the shaft proximal end. An alignment system for surgical bone cutting procedures inclusive of the same is also provided along with a method for aligning a cutting guide on a subject's bone.