Quick-Connect Module Interface for Sterile Torque Tool Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The medical industry faces challenges with non-standardized tool connection systems, requiring dedicated devices for each platform, and reusable torque-limiting drivers need constant recalibration and sterilization to prevent contamination and infections.
Innovation Solution
A platform-agnostic connection system featuring a biasing element with a catch and release interface, a quick connect module, and a partially hollow nose that aligns with a shaped cavity, allowing for modular or removable connections using a quick connect body with a biasing element, catch and release interface, and a tail end, which affixes into the nose, enabling secure and easy tool attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reusable torque-limiting drivers are used, then robustness and precision are improved, but constant recalibration and sterilization are required increasing complexity and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The driver system is divided into separate components: a reusable handle body and disposable driver bits. The handle body contains the torque-limiting mechanism and can be reused, while the driver bits are disposable and pre-calibrated. This segmentation allows the complex torque-limiting functionality to be maintained in the reusable portion while eliminating the need to sterilize and recalibrate the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable driver bits are provided that are pre-calibrated with specific torque characteristics. These single-use components eliminate the need for sterilization and recalibration of torque-limiting devices, while the expensive reusable handle body is used multiple times. The disposable nature ensures precision without the maintenance burden.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated devices are used for each platform, then connection precision is improved, but device complexity and quantity required increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal connection interface is designed that can accommodate multiple surgical drill platforms (e.g., Stryker, DePuy, Smith & Nephew) through a standardized adapter system. The adapter portion of the driver bit can be configured to match different platform interfaces while maintaining a consistent connection mechanism. This allows a single reusable handle to work with multiple platforms, eliminating the need for dedicated devices for each platform while preserving connection precision through the standardized interface design.
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
This solution provides a standardized, easy-to-use connection system that is adaptable to various platforms, reducing the need for multiple dedicated devices and minimizing the risk of contamination by allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment of medical tools, while maintaining precision and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Pushing on a button at one end of the QCB compresses an integral biasing element of the QCB aligning a catch and release interface with a pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of novel connection systems and methods are disclosed herein. A partially hollow nose is configured to one of connect a pathway to a body catch to accept a quick connect body (QCB) or mate with a connection system configured to be inserted into a shaped cavity in the nose; and, a quick connect module (QCM) and the nose are configured to cooperate to accept insertion of the QCB through the side wall of the nose into the body catch of the QCM; wherein the QCB affixes the QCM into the nose; and, wherein pushing on the button at one end of the QCB compresses the integral biasing arm of said QCB opening a catch and release interface to accept a tool.