Modular Set Screw Driver with Compressible Bifurcated Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener-driving tools face challenges in maintaining a secure grip, especially in confined surgical spaces, where traditional bifurcated tips are fragile and difficult to maintain sterility, and may deform due to slippage during torque application.
Innovation Solution
A modular tool with a detachable compressible engagement member and bifurcated tip that securely engages set screws, allowing for rotational fixation and easy replacement, ensuring stable engagement and ease of sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a bifurcated tip structure is used to secure engagement with the fastener, then the engagement stability is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates making the tip more susceptible to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into modular components: a reusable drive shaft and a detachable compressible engagement member with bifurcated tip. This segmentation allows the fragile bifurcated tip to be easily replaced when damaged, while the sturdy drive shaft can be sterilized and reused, resolving the contradiction between engagement stability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible engagement member is made from a compliant material that changes its physical state between compressed and uncompressed configurations. When uncompressed, the material is soft and compliant to conform to the fastener receiving portion; when compressed, it provides secure engagement. This parameter change allows the tip to maintain both structural integrity and engagement stability.
2Strength
If a monolithic tool structure is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into a reusable drive shaft and a disposable compressible engagement member. The drive shaft can be sterilized and reused, while the engagement member is designed for single-use, eliminating complex sterilization requirements for the entire tool while maintaining structural strength of the drive shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible engagement member is designed as a disposable component that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. This allows the critical engagement component to be discarded after single use, eliminating sterilization needs, while the expensive drive shaft can be sterilized and reused multiple times.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a compressible bifurcated tip is used to engage the fastener, then the engagement stability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The tool separates the fragile bifurcated tip (compressible engagement member) from the sturdy drive shaft. The engagement member is designed to be replaced rather than repaired, so even though it is susceptible to breaking, the overall system reliability is maintained through easy replacement of the failed component.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible engagement member is designed to be easily detachable and replaceable by the user without requiring specialized tools or skills. When the tip breaks or becomes damaged, the user can simply detach the old engagement member and attach a new one, maintaining system reliability through self-service replacement.
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 modular tool provides a secure and stable engagement with fasteners, reducing the risk of deformation and facilitating easy maintenance and sterilization, enhancing its usability in surgical environments.
Implementation Method 1
the compressible engagement member may be formed of a material having a stiffness that causes a radially outward biasing force from the member to return to its resting state
Implementation Method 2
a compressible engagement member detachably coupled to the drive shaft, the compressible engagement member extending from the engaging tip sized and shaped to detachably engage with a receiving portion of the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A tool (100) for use with a fastener includes a drive shaft (110) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) from a proximal end (102) to a distal end (104). The tool has an engaging tip (122) at the distal end (104) of the drive shaft (110) sized and shaped to detachably engage a fastener such that the engaging tip (122) is rotationally fixed to the fastener when the engaging tip (122) is engaged with the fastener. The tool (100) further includes a compressible engagement member (150) detachably coupled to the drive shaft (110). The compressible engagement member (150) extends from the engaging tip (122) and is sized and shaped to detachably engage with a receiving portion of the fastener. In an undeformed configuration, the compressible engagement member (150) has a width greater than the receiving portion.