Reversible-Key Driver for Intervertebral Implant Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral implants require multiple tools or specialized tools with separate right-hand and left-hand rotational modes for expansion and angulation adjustment, which can be cumbersome and invasive during surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-shaft surgical driver with a reversible driver key mechanism allows for intuitive expansion and collapse of implants using a single tool, featuring coaxial inner and outer driver shafts that can rotate independently, and a driver key that engages the shafts to achieve various expansion configurations through clockwise and counterclockwise rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple tools or specialized tools with separate right-hand and left-hand rotational modes are used to adjust intervertebral implants, then expansion and angulation adjustment can be achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes cumbersome and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple driver functions into a single dual-shaft driver tool. The driver includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft that can independently rotate, allowing the surgeon to perform both expansion and angulation adjustments with one tool rather than requiring multiple separate tools. This merging of functions directly reduces the number of tools needed while maintaining full adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-shaft driver is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple functions: expanding the implant, adjusting angulation, and collapsing the implant. The inner and outer shafts can be selectively engaged with different implant features, allowing a single tool to replace what previously required multiple specialized tools with separate right-hand and left-hand rotational modes.
2Productivity
If a single dual-shaft driver is used to expand and collapse implants, then surgical invasiveness is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver employs a nested shaft configuration where the inner shaft is positioned within the outer shaft. Both shafts can rotate independently and can be selectively engaged with implant features. This nested arrangement allows two driving functions to be integrated into a compact single-tool structure, improving surgical efficiency while containing the mechanical complexity within a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver shafts are designed to be dynamically selectable - the surgeon can engage either the inner shaft or the outer shaft with the implant depending on the desired operation. This dynamic engagement capability allows a single tool to adapt to different surgical needs without requiring complex automated mechanisms, balancing functionality with manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical driver apparatus includes a housing and an inner driver shaft having a proximal end secured within the housing and a distal end extending out from a first side of the housing. The inner driver shaft is configured to rotate with respect to the housing. The surgical driver apparatus further includes an outer driver shaft and an idler driver shaft. The outer driver shaft is positioned coaxial with the inner driver shaft and configured to rotate independently from the inner driver shaft. The idler driver shaft is configured to transmit torque to the outer driver shaft. Additionally, the surgical driver apparatus includes a driver key comprising a driving feature and a counter-driving feature. The driver key is configured to engage a second side of the housing in one of a plurality of orientations configured to rotate the inner driver shaft and/or the outer driver shaft.