Offset Orthopaedic Reamer Handle Rotating Pin Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offset orthopaedic reamer handles lack design flexibility and suffer from uneven wear distribution due to rigid joints and fixed offset lengths, which can limit their effectiveness in hip replacement surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic reamer handle design featuring a rotating stepped pin joint and adjustable offsetting members that allow for a longer offset without increasing joint length, enabling more even friction distribution and improved wear management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid joint with fixed pins is used to connect the shaft and reamer head, then the joint provides stable torque transmission, but the design flexibility is reduced and wear distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed pins with a rotating pin mechanism. The pin is configured to rotate within the joint, transforming the static connection into a dynamic one. This allows the joint to adapt to different operational conditions while maintaining reliable torque transmission, thereby improving design flexibility without sacrificing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the pin's rotational capability and its position within the joint. The pin can rotate and shift slightly, changing the mechanical parameters of the joint during operation. This enables better wear distribution and improved adaptability while maintaining the necessary torque transmission function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the offset length is increased to improve surgical flexibility, then the reamer handle can access different angles, but the joint length increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a rotating pin mechanism that adds a rotational degree of freedom to the joint. Instead of increasing offset length linearly, the rotating pin allows the reamer head to access different angles and positions through rotation, effectively utilizing a new dimensional parameter (angular position) to achieve surgical flexibility without proportionally increasing joint length.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotating pin mechanism allows the joint to achieve greater effective offset through rotational movement rather than simply extending the physical joint length. The pin's rotation creates additional reach and angular access, providing surgical flexibility while keeping the joint compact.
3Device complexity
If fixed pins are used in the joint, then the structure is simple, but friction forces concentrate on specific points causing uneven wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains relative structural simplicity while improving wear distribution by making the pin rotatable rather than fixed. The rotating pin continuously changes the contact points during operation, distributing friction forces across different surfaces of the pin and joint components. This dynamic adjustment prevents concentration of wear at single points while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating pin mechanism is self-regulating, automatically adjusting its orientation and contact points based on the applied torque and operational conditions. This self-adjusting capability distributes wear evenly without requiring complex external control systems, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an orthopaedic reamer handle that includes a reamer portion configured to transmit torque to a reamer head, a driver portion connected to the reamer portion that is configured to receive and transmit torque from a driver, and a drive train connecting the reamer portion to the driver portion to transmit torque from the driver portion to the reamer portion. The drive train includes a first drive shaft that defines a first axis and is connected to the driver portion at a first end and to a first intermediate connector at a second end. An offsetting member is connected to a second intermediate end of the first intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the first axis and defines a second axis. The offsetting member connects to the reamer portion via a second intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the second axis.