Medical Decoupling Device with Spring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoupling instruments for pedicle screws require manual alignment of components and can be complicated to use due to the need for precise fitting with the pedicle screw.
Innovation Solution
A medical decoupling instrument featuring a shaft and sleeve with a spring mechanism that automatically aligns and positions the components for easy insertion into the insertion instrument, allowing for secure decoupling of the pedicle screw without manual alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment of components is required for decoupling instrument insertion, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically positions the shaft and sleeve into the correct alignment configuration when the decoupling instrument is inserted into the insertion instrument. The components self-align through the spring's restoring force without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining positioning precision while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism pre-positions the shaft and sleeve into the correct alignment configuration before insertion occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the instrument is inserted, the components are already in the correct positional relationship, eliminating the need for manual alignment during the insertion process
2Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is introduced for automatic alignment, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: the shaft for engagement, the sleeve for coupling to the insertion instrument, and the spring mechanism for automatic alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the shaft and sleeve, mediating their relative positioning. Rather than directly coupling the components in a fixed relationship, the spring provides a controlled, automatic alignment function that simplifies operation without requiring complex mechanical linkages
3Ease of operation
If automatic alignment is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to spring mechanism tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism's physical parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, active coils, material properties) are specifically designed and optimized to provide the correct restoring force and alignment characteristics. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves reliable automatic alignment while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances without requiring extreme precision
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 decoupling instrument ensures a defined zero position and automatic alignment, facilitating secure decoupling of the insertion instrument from the pedicle screw with tactile feedback and preventing accidental slipping.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (28), in particular a spiral spring/compression spring, which is arranged between a support surface (46) provided on the shaft and the sleeve and is configured to move the shaft and sleeve into the defined starting position/zero position via its spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical decoupling instrument (4) for decoupling a medical insertion instrument (6) from a pedicle screw, comprising: a shaft (24) and a sleeve (26) which is arranged around a portion (34) of the shaft (24) and which is designed for defined coupling to the medical insertion instrument (6), the shaft (24) being rotatable relative to the sleeve (26), and the medical decoupling instrument (4) being designed to bring the shaft (24) and the sleeve (26) autonomously and automatically into a defined starting position. The invention also relates to a medical arrangement (2) comprising at least the medical decoupling instrument (4) and a medical insertion instrument (6).