Pivoting Tab Breaker Rails for Low-Force Spinal Anchor Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgery tools face challenges in efficiently transferring forces from extended tabs external to the surgical cavity to the anchor within the cavity while allowing easy separation of the tabs from the anchor head, which is crucial for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tab breaker system with dual handles and rails that pivot relative to a tip, allowing for easy separation of extended tabs from the anchor head using reduced force, featuring magnets and a locking mechanism to stabilize the handles and rails during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extended tabs are made separable from the anchor head, then ease of operation is improved, but force transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extended tab is divided into two segments: a first portion that remains connected to the anchor head and a second portion that can be separated. This segmentation allows the tab to maintain force transfer capability through the first portion while enabling easy separation of the second portion from the anchor head, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force transfer capability.
2Ease of operation
If a tab breaker system is used to separate tabs, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A tab breaker system is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the separation of the extended tab from the anchor head. The tab breaker includes a handle and a rail that work together to apply controlled force, enabling easy separation while the system itself can be removed after use, managing the complexity through a temporary, specialized tool rather than a permanent complex integration.
3Ease of operation
If force is reduced for separation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tab breaker system employs dynamic elements including a pivot point that allows the rail to rotate between positioned and removed states, and a spring mechanism that provides controlled elastic force. These dynamic components enable the system to adapt to different tab configurations and materials, maintaining reliable separation while requiring reduced force compared to rigid, static separation methods.
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
Enables efficient transfer of forces and easy separation of extended tabs from the anchor head, facilitating minimally invasive spinal procedures by reducing the force required and maintaining stability during the process.
Implementation Method 1
A tab breaker system with dual handles and rails that pivot relative to a tip, allowing for easy separation of extended tabs from the anchor head using reduced force, featuring magnets and a locking mechanism to stabilize the handles and rails during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for breaking tabs of a vertebral bone anchor can include a tip, a first rail, and a second rail. The tip can be positionable over a housing of a vertebral bone anchor. The first rail can be pivotably coupled to the tip and can extend proximally away from the tip. The first rail can be configured to receive a first extended tab therein. The first rail can be pivotable with respect to the tip between a first upright position and a first outward position to break the first extended tab from the housing. The second rail can be pivotably coupled to the tip and can extend proximally away from the tip.