Encapsulated Offset Reamer Driver for Debris-Resistant Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reamer drivers face issues with debris penetration and soft tissue abrasion, as well as complex connections that can trap debris and bone chips, leading to potential disconnection and soft tissue irritation during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A reamer driver with a fully encapsulated design and a simple, debris-resistant connection mechanism that prevents debris entry, featuring a locking mechanism that can be locked in an open position for easy tool insertion and quick connection of different acetabular reamers, with components that can be easily replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex connection mechanism with multiple parts is used to connect reamers, then the connection can be secure, but debris and bone chips can enter and trap in the mechanism, causing jamming and potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into a proximal portion and a distal portion with a articulation joint between them. This segmentation allows the distal portion to rotate independently, creating a simpler, more debris-resistant connection interface while maintaining secure attachment of the reamer.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint is extracted from the traditional complex multi-part connection mechanism. By removing unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the connection structure to essentially a rotating joint, the patent eliminates crevices and spaces where debris could accumulate, while still providing secure reamer attachment.
2Reliability
If a standard lock/release mechanism is used, then the reamer can be securely locked, but it cannot be locked in the open position for easy tool insertion through minimal invasive openings
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the distal portion to rotate relative to the proximal portion. This rotation capability enables the mechanism to be locked in multiple positions, including an open position for easy tool insertion and a closed position for secure operation, transforming a static lock/release mechanism into a multi-position system.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint is designed to automatically align and lock into position as the reamer is inserted. This preliminary action occurs before the surgeon needs to secure the connection, allowing the tool to be easily inserted through minimal invasive openings and then automatically secured without requiring separate locking steps.
3Power
If the transmission drive chain is compressed to transmit loads, then the torque can be transmitted effectively, but the universal joints in the drive chain increase device complexity and potential debris trapping areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the universal joints from the transmission drive chain. By eliminating these complex intermediate components, the drive train is simplified to a more direct transmission path that maintains torque transmission efficiency while reducing the number of parts that could trap debris or require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex universal joint drive train to accommodate misalignment, the patent inverts the approach by designing the connection to be more rigid and directly aligned, transmitting torque through a simplified path without relying on universal joints or flexible couplings.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and/or reamer driver device provides a fully closed tube which prevents the invasion of debris and minimizes abrasion of soft tissue during use. The reamer device includes a minimum number of component assemblies, so as to permit easy replacement and minimize wear.