Pin Wire Driver Mobile Shaft with Angled Collet Bearings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pin wire driver devices have complex designs with multiple components, which can lead to temporary seizing issues, requiring corrective measures such as disassembly or impact to release the attachment apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A mobile shaft with captured bearings that engage an angled surface of a pin wire collet, along with a flexible collet, forms an engagement mechanism that simplifies the design and reduces the likelihood of seizing by allowing for radial inward movement of flexible arms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional multiple-component attachment apparatus is used, then engagement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and seizing risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseizing preventionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (collet, flexible arms, engagement mechanism) into a single integrated attachment apparatus that couples to the driver device. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining engagement capability and reducing seizing risk through the unified design with angled contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment apparatus is segmented into functional zones: the collet with flexible arms for wire engagement, the mobile shaft with bearings for movement, and the angled contact surfaces for force transmission. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional engagement mechanism is used, then pin wire can be advanced, but temporary seizing occurs requiring corrective measures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement consistencyVSAvoidcorrective measures required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile shaft is designed to move dynamically along the axis of the attachment apparatus, allowing the bearings to roll along the angled contact surfaces. This dynamic movement prevents temporary seizing by maintaining smooth relative motion between components during the pin wire advancement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The angled contact surfaces act as intermediaries between the mobile shaft and the collet assembly. These surfaces mediate the force transmission and movement between components, preventing direct binding or seizing while enabling consistent engagement and advancement of the pin wire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If simplified design with mobile shaft and flexible collet is used, then device complexity is reduced, but engagement reliability for various wire diameters must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidwire diameter independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The collet incorporates flexible arms that can deflect and adapt to different wire diameters. This flexibility allows the same attachment apparatus design to engage various wire sizes without requiring multiple specialized components, maintaining adaptability while simplifying the overall device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment apparatus is designed as a universal device that can engage and advance different types and diameters of pins and wires through its flexible collet mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized attachments, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The proposed solution simplifies the design of pin wire driver devices, reduces the potential for seizing, and provides a consistent engagement mechanism independent of wire diameter, enhancing the reliability and ease of use during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a mobile shaft with captured bearings that engage an angled surface of a pin wire collet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3579764B1Systems for advancing a pin wire with a driver device

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 ZIMMER INC

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AI summary

An engagement mechanism for a driver instrument (24) can comprise a mobile shaft (121, 221), a collet (122, 222) and an angled engagement interface (124; 136A-D). The mobile shaft comprises a first shaft portion (128, 228) located at a proximal end of the mobile shaft, a driver portion (126, 226) located at a distal end of the mobile shaft, and an internal passageway (180, 280) extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The collet comprises a second shaft portion (134, 234) disposed within the passageway at the first shaft portion, and flexible arms (132A-D, 232A-D) extending from the second shaft portion within the driver portion. The angled engagement interface is positioned between the driver portion and the flexible arms, and is configured to permit the driver portion to push or deflect the flexible arms radially inward when the first shaft portion is slid along the second shaft portion. The angled engagement interface can include bearings (224A-D) and a frusto-conical contact surface (124; 282A-D).