Rod Insertion Device With Adjustable Angulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rod insertion instruments for pedicle screws often require significant effort to secure and release fixation rods, posing a risk of injury and accidental alteration of the rod's angular position during operation.

Innovation Solution

A rod insertion device with an elongated receiving body featuring side grooves and a spring-loaded blocking element that allows for adjustable fixation rod angulation, ensuring secure holding without rotational fixation, and a clamping body with a tapering geometry for easy one-handed operation and reduced risk of accidental disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw mechanism is used to secure the fixation rod, then the fixation rod is held securely, but significant effort is required to secure and release the rod, and the user must bring hands close to the inserted rod creating injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of fixation rodVSAvoideffort to secure and release rod

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw mechanism with a spring-loaded blocking element system. The blocking element engages with the fixation rod through a blocking protrusion that fits into a receiving groove, creating a mechanical lock without requiring threading or rotational motion. This substitution eliminates the need for manual screwing operations while maintaining secure holding, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the user and the fixation rod. Instead of the user directly manipulating the rod with hands near the insertion site, the blocking element mediates the securing and releasing actions from a safe distance. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement and disengagement forces, further reducing user effort and eliminating the need for hand proximity to the inserted rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the fixation rod is held in a pre-determined fixed position, then the rod position is stable, but the rod cannot be adjusted to different angular positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod position stabilityVSAvoidadjustability of rod angulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the blocking element can be moved between a blocking position (securing the rod at a specific angle) and a release position (allowing rod movement). The spring-loaded blocking element automatically engages to stabilize the rod at the desired angular position after adjustment, while allowing easy transitions between different positions. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both stability when needed and adaptability when adjustment is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the blocking element is spring-loaded to automatically engage, then secure holding is ensured, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding without manual interventionVSAvoidspring-loaded blocking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the single blocking element: it serves as both the securing mechanism (through the blocking protrusion engaging the receiving groove) and the positioning mechanism (by being movable between blocking and release positions). The spring mechanism is integrated directly into the blocking element structure rather than being a separate system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automatic engagement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device provides simple and flexible adjustability of the fixation rod, ensuring stable and secure positioning while minimizing the risk of injury during operation and easy release, with enhanced safety features for handling and cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a blocking element (30) arranged in the receiving body (20) for blocking or releasing the inserted fixation rod (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10595914B2Rod insertion with adjustable rod angulation

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 SILONY MEDICAL INT

AI summary

The invention relates to a rod insertion device (10) for the insertion of a fixation rod (1) into a pedicle screw, comprising a receiving body (20), which has, at its distal end, a receiving recess (22) with opposite guide grooves (24), a clamping body arranged displaceably in the receiving body (20) for clamping the transverse rod in the receiving groove of the rod insertion device, wherein, in an entry area, the guide grooves of the receiving recess (22) are formed in a first direction in the receiving body (20) and, in a force-fitting area behind the entry area, are formed in a second direction different from the first direction, with the result that an inserted fixation rod is blocked in the first direction and/or in that a blocking element (30) is further provided with a detent (32), which is mounted movable between a release position and a blocking position.