Multi-Interface Pin Removal Tool for Orthopedic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pin removal tools require multiple devices for removing headed and headless pins, leading to equipment clutter and reduced efficiency in orthopedic surgery, increasing the risk of infection and complicating the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional pin removal tool with pivotable arm members, featuring different engagement interfaces for both headed and headless pins, allowing a single tool to grasp and remove various types of fixation elements, reducing the need for separate tools and enhancing surgical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for removing headed and headless pins, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the quantity of equipment increases leading to surgical clutter and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pin removal devices into a single unified tool. The removal device includes a first interface for removing headed pins and a second interface for removing headless pins, both integrated into one device body. This merging eliminates the need to carry multiple separate tools while maintaining the ability to remove both types of pins effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal device is designed with universal functionality to handle both headed and headless pins. By incorporating multiple interfaces with different engagement mechanisms (cam member for headed pins, opposing surfaces for headless pins), the single device can adapt to remove various types of fixation members without requiring separate specialized tools for each pin type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are brought into the surgical room for pin removal, then all pin types can be handled, but this increases the risk of infection and complicates the surgical process
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functionality of multiple pin removal tools into a single device, the number of instrument introductions into the surgical field is reduced. The single device can remove both headed and headless pins, thereby minimizing the number of times the surgical field needs to be accessed and reducing the overall risk of contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design of the removal device allows it to handle all pin types with a single tool, reducing the need to bring multiple instruments into the sterile field. This multi-functionality directly reduces the number of potential contamination sources and simplifies the surgical workflow.
3Productivity
If a single tool is designed to remove both headed and headless pins, then equipment clutter is reduced and efficiency improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device is segmented into distinct interfaces: a first interface with a cam member and clamp surface for headed pins, and a second interface with opposing surfaces for headless pins. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific pin type while being integrated into a single device, maintaining functional clarity despite the multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a cam member that can transition between different positions to engage with either headed or headless pins. The cam member's movement allows the device to dynamically adapt its engagement mechanism based on the pin type, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions through mechanical transformation rather than requiring separate static tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin removal tool includes a first arm member and a second arm member opposing the first arm member and connected to the first arm member at a pivot axis. The first and second arm members form a first interface therebetween at a first end of the tool configured to remove a headless pin and a second interface therebetween at a second end of the tool configured to remove a headed pin.