Screw Tower Tool With Threaded Drive for Spinal Rod Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fixation devices face challenges with rod reducers that are difficult, tiresome, and time-consuming to use.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a screw tower, an instrument with a driver shaft and threaded sleeve, and a housing with retention members and a threaded button, allowing for efficient longitudinal movement of the driver shaft relative to the screw tower for rod reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rod reducers are used, then rod reduction can be achieved, but the operation becomes difficult, tiresome, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical rod reduction methods with a screw mechanism system. The screw tower and threaded button create a mechanical advantage system that converts rotational motion into precise linear motion, automatically urging the driver shaft longitudinally to reduce the rod. This substitution eliminates the need for difficult manual manipulation and reduces operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the interaction between the threaded sleeve and threaded button. When the threaded button is rotated, it automatically moves the driver shaft longitudinally without requiring additional manual intervention or complex coordination. The system serves itself by converting the rotation of the button directly into the linear motion needed for rod reduction.
2Productivity
If traditional rod reducers are used, then rod reduction can be achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and tiresome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a screw-based mechanical system that provides significant mechanical advantage. The threaded engagement between the threaded sleeve and threaded button amplifies the input force, allowing efficient rod reduction with minimal operator effort. This mechanical substitution transforms a laborious operation into an efficient, easily performed procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements where the driver shaft can move longitudinally relative to the screw tower through the threaded mechanism. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to adapt during operation, providing smooth and controlled rod reduction that maintains ease of operation throughout the entire reduction process.
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
Facilitates efficient, user-friendly, and effective rod reduction, reducing soft tissue damage during surgery and leading to quicker recovery times and lower infection risks.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded sleeve is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to urge the driver shaft longitudinally relative to the screw tower
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a screw tower, an instrument, and a housing. The instrument includes a driver shaft extendable longitudinally through the screw tower, and a threaded sleeve mounted on a proximal portion of the driver shaft. The housing includes one or more retention members coupleable to the screw tower, and a threaded button threadably coupleable to the threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to urge the driver shaft longitudinally relative to the screw tower.