Reversible Pin Driver With Helical Jaw Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered orthopedic instruments used for placing implants during surgery often suffer from reduced ergonomics, interference with measurement systems, and increased surgical time due to the manipulation of chucks or drivers, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
An implant driver with a cannulated passage and dual jaw assemblies featuring helical channels and spherical jaw members that engage orthopedic implants upon rotation, allowing for secure gripping and axial movement control, enabling easy advancement and retraction of implants without external force, and facilitating ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a powered orthopedic instrument with a chuck or driver is used to engage the orthopedic implant, then the implant can be placed, but the surgeon experiences reduced ergonomics and increased surgical time due to manipulation of the chuck or driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gripping function from the traditional chuck mechanism and relocates it to spherical jaw members that are integrated into the driver body. This eliminates the need for separate chuck manipulation, improving ergonomics and reducing surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical jaw members automatically engage with the implant when the driver is inserted, and the helical channels automatically advance the jaw members into gripping position upon rotation. This self-activating mechanism eliminates manual intervention, improving both ergonomics and surgical efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional chuck or driver is used to engage the orthopedic implant, then the implant can be manipulated, but there is interference with coordinated measurement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional chuck component that interferes with measurement systems and replaces it with a streamlined driver design featuring spherical jaw members that do not obstruct measurement system coordination.
3Reliability
If spherical jaw members are used within helical channels to engage the implant, then secure gripping is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the gripping function into localized spherical jaw members positioned within helical channels, rather than using a complex overall structure. This localizes complexity to where it is most effective for gripping while keeping the rest of the driver simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of spherical jaw members provides smooth contact with the implant surface, distributing gripping forces evenly and reliably. The spherical geometry simplifies the interaction between the driver and implant compared to traditional jaw mechanisms.
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 implant driver enhances surgical efficiency by reducing manual effort, minimizing interference with measurement systems, and improving ergonomic control, thereby reducing surgical time and enhancing patient outcomes through precise and efficient implant placement.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of helical channels defined by the first jaw assembly and comprising a first constrictive helical cam surface with a first direction of constriction associated with a first direction of rotation of the implant driver
Data Source
AI summary
An implant driver for engaging an orthopedic implant for selective advancement and retraction of the implant. The implant driver includes a first jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a first direction of rotation. The first jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the first direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. The implant driver includes a second jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a second direction of rotation. The second jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the second direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. Absent rotation of the first and second jaw assemblies, the spherical jaws may not restrict relative axial movement between the implant and the implant driver to allow for advancement and/or retraction of the instrument relative to the implant.