Nested Locking Tip for Minimally Invasive Screw Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional screwdrivers lack the ability to securely lock onto screws in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques, making it difficult to drive screws without impacting surrounding tissue and releasing the screw once in place.
Innovation Solution
A driving instrument with a handle, shaft, and tip that locks onto the screw head by compressing or frictionally engaging features within the outer diameter, allowing for secure driving and easy release, featuring a swivel cap for one-handed operation and adaptable tips for various screw types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional screwdriver is used to drive screws in minimally invasive surgery, then the procedure can be performed, but the screwdriver cannot securely lock onto the screw head, causing difficulty in driving and releasing the screw while impacting surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is inserted into the screw head cavity, and the locking arms are nested within the tip structure. When actuated, the locking arms expand outward to engage the screw head perimeter, creating a nested configuration that secures the screw without requiring external tissue disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable between a retracted position (for insertion) and an engaged position (for locking). This dynamic transformation allows the driver to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, enabling secure locking while maintaining minimal invasive profile
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the driving instrument diameter is reduced for minimally invasive procedures, then tissue disruption is minimized, but the instrument may not securely engage with the screw head
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are stored nested within the tip structure during insertion, allowing the instrument to pass through small incisions. Once positioned, the locking arms deploy outward to engage the screw head, providing secure engagement despite the instrument's small overall diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arms transition from a radial configuration (nested within the tip) to a circumferential configuration (engaging the screw head perimeter). This dimensional transformation allows the instrument to maintain a small insertion diameter while achieving full circumferential engagement with the screw head
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the screwdriver, then secure locking onto the screw is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the tip structure, where the locking arms are integrated into the tip body rather than being separate components. This integration reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The tip structure serves multiple functions: it guides the locking arms during insertion, provides structural support for the locking mechanism, and maintains engagement with the screw head. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device
4Reliability
If the tip is designed to lock onto the screw head, then secure driving is achieved, but the release mechanism adds complexity to the handle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is merged with the handle body, where the actuator is integrated into the handle structure rather than being a separate external component. This integration allows the release function to be achieved with minimal additional structural complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to automatically trigger the release of the locking arms when pressed, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or additional control mechanisms. The system serves itself by converting the simple pressing action directly into the release function
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 secure screw placement with minimal tissue disruption and easy removal, maintaining a small diameter for minimally invasive procedures and accommodating various screw types.
Implementation Method 1
the tip of the driving instrument compresses or frictionally connects with features that are located within the outer diameter of the screw head
Data Source
AI summary
A driver including a handle, lever, swivel cap, shaft, and a tip mechanically connected to the lever configured to engage a screw. Engaging the lever causes the tip to either compress or expand so as to lock the screw to the driver. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cap can be translated releasing the lever, thereby releasing the screw from the tip. According to one embodiment, the cap is a swivel cap allowing for jeweler style use. Advantages of the present system and method, according to various embodiments, include a tip compressing a feature that is within an outer diameter of the screw allowing a driver, or a portion thereof, to have a maximum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of a screw.