Orthopedic Rotary Tool Flywheel Coupling for Torque Impulse Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopedic rotary tools generate high reactionary torque during bone cutting procedures, leading to operator fatigue, wrist injury, reduced precision, and excessive noise, particularly in procedures like total hip arthroplasty, requiring significant force application.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic rotary tool with a drive system, actuator system, and coupling mechanism that accumulates rotational energy, allowing for controlled delivery of torque impulses through a friction disk and flywheel system to mitigate reactionary torque, using mechanical interactions and energy storage to manage torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If continuous torque transmission is used in orthopedic rotary tools, then cutting power is maintained, but reactionary torque causes operator fatigue and wrist injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using an energy storage element (flywheel) that accumulates rotational energy during non-cutting phases and delivers torque impulses during cutting phases. The coupling mechanism periodically engages and disengages the energy storage element with the output element, creating intermittent torque transmission rather than continuous transmission. This periodic delivery of torque impulses maintains cutting power while eliminating continuous reactionary torque that causes operator fatigue and wrist injury.
2Power
If high torque is transmitted continuously, then cutting effectiveness is maintained, but noise levels become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic engagement and disengagement of the coupling mechanism creates intermittent torque delivery rather than continuous high torque transmission. The energy storage element accumulates energy during low-noise phases and releases it during cutting phases, maintaining cutting effectiveness while reducing overall noise levels by eliminating continuous mechanical stress and vibration.
3Ease of operation
If torque impulses are delivered intermittently, then reactionary torque is reduced, but continuous power transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the energy storage element to accumulate rotational energy in advance during non-cutting or low-demand phases. This pre-stored energy is then available for immediate delivery as torque impulses during cutting phases, ensuring that power transmission continuity is maintained despite intermittent coupling. The energy storage element acts as a buffer that smooths out power delivery variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamics by allowing the rotational speed of the energy storage element to vary dynamically - accelerating during energy accumulation phases and delivering torque during engagement phases. The coupling mechanism dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on cutting requirements, optimizing both power delivery and reactionary torque reduction.
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
Reduces operator fatigue and wrist injury, enhances cutting precision, and minimizes noise by effectively managing reactionary torque, enabling smoother operation and improved implant positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage element configured to accumulate rotational energy
Implementation Method 2
the energy storage element is configured to deliver a torque impulse to the output element
Implementation Method 3
relative rotation between the first rotary component and the second rotary component causes interactions between the first actuator element and the second actuator element
Implementation Method 4
using mechanical interactions and energy storage to manage torque transmission
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic rotary tool may include a drive system including a first rotary component and a second rotary component, an energy storage element, an actuator system including a first actuator element disposed on the first rotary component and a second actuator element disposed on the second rotary component, a coupling mechanism, and an output element. The coupling mechanism may be operable between coupled states and decoupled states. During operation, the energy storage element may accumulate rotational energy via the drive system and relative rotation between the first rotary component and the second rotary component may cause interactions between the first actuator element and the second actuator element. The interactions may transition the coupling mechanism between the coupled states and the decoupled states. When the coupling mechanism is in the coupled states, the energy storage element may be configured to deliver a torque impulse to the output element.