Multi-Diameter K-Wire Design for Single-Driver Orthopedic Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic procedures require multiple drivers or collets for inserting fixation pins of different diameters, leading to additional time and procedural steps.
Innovation Solution
A multi-diameter fixation pin with a driver engagement portion and a bone insertion portion of different diameters, allowing insertion with a single powered driver and collet, accommodating both larger and smaller pins without changing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drivers or collets are used for inserting fixation pins of different diameters, then the ability to accommodate various pin sizes is improved, but the procedural complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The powered driver is designed with a universal collet mechanism that can accommodate fixation pins of multiple diameters through a single interface. The collet system allows the same driver to securely hold different sized pins without requiring multiple specialized drivers, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes adjustable collet parameters (such as collet diameter and grip tension) to adapt to different fixation pin sizes. By changing the collet configuration rather than the entire driver assembly, the system maintains versatility while minimizing procedural steps and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drivers or collets are used for inserting fixation pins of different diameters, then the ability to accommodate various pin sizes is improved, but the procedural time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The universal collet mechanism enables a single powered driver to handle all fixation pin sizes required during surgery. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple drivers or collets, directly reducing procedural time while maintaining the ability to accommodate various pin diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The collet system is pre-configured to accept a range of pin diameters within a single interface design. This preliminary design decision allows the driver to be ready for any pin size from the outset, eliminating time-consuming adjustments or equipment changes during the surgical procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-diameter fixation pin, such as a K-wire can be used during an orthopedic procedure. The multi-diameter fixation pin may include a leading diameter sized for the specific orthopedic procedure being undertaken and/or the size of the bone into which the fixation pin is being inserted. The multi-diameter fixation pin may include a trailing diameter different than the leading diameter. The trailing diameter may be sized for use with a specific sized powered driver. For example, in orthopedic procedures that involve inserting larger diameter pins and smaller diameter pins into bone(s), all pins used in the procedure may have a trailing diameter (e.g., the larger diameter or the smaller diameter) that allows the pins to be inserted with the same powered driver (e.g., the same attachment head) without needing different sized drivers or attachment heads for different sized pins.