Self-retaining Nail Handle Interface for Single-Operator Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation devices for intramedullary nails in bone fractures often require two people to operate, one to hold the insertion handle and another to lock it, making the process inefficient and requiring additional assistance.
Innovation Solution
The design of an insertion handle with a snap-fit or 'quick-click' mechanism that allows a single person to temporarily lock the intramedullary nail in place, enabling self-retaining connections through a series of tabs and cutouts that provide precise alignment and torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional insertion handle-to-nail interface is used, then the connection between the insertion handle and intramedullary nail can be secured, but two people are required to operate (one to hold the handle and another to lock it), increasing operational complexity and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion handle is designed with a self-retaining mechanism where the handle automatically secures to the intramedullary nail through a snap-fit or quick-click connection. The release mechanism allows the handle to self-release from the nail when needed. This eliminates the need for a second person to lock or unlock the connection, enabling single-person operation while maintaining secure attachment during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is divided into distinct functional components: an engagement mechanism on the insertion handle (such as a flange or tab) that interfaces with a corresponding receiving structure on the intramedullary nail. This segmentation allows for independent design optimization of each component while maintaining overall system functionality for single-person operation.
2Productivity
If a secure lock mechanism is implemented between the insertion handle and intramedullary nail, then stable connection is achieved, but the mechanism requires multiple components and steps, increasing the time and assistance needed for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion handle is pre-configured with the engagement mechanism (flange, tab, or other retaining structure) that is ready to automatically engage with the receiving structure on the intramedullary nail upon insertion. This preliminary preparation allows the connection to be established immediately during the insertion motion itself, without requiring separate locking steps or additional time-consuming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the insertion motion itself. As the insertion handle is pushed into the intramedullary nail, the engagement mechanism automatically engages with the receiving structure, combining the insertion and locking actions into a single unified operation. This eliminates the need for separate locking steps and reduces the overall time required for the procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If a simple connection interface is used between the insertion handle and intramedullary nail, then ease of operation is improved, but torque transmission and alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism and receiving structure are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide precise alignment during insertion. The asymmetric shapes ensure that the insertion handle can only be inserted in the correct orientation, automatically achieving proper alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional alignment components.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific localized features are incorporated into the connection interface, such as keyed geometries, shaped flanges, or oriented tabs, that provide precise alignment and torque transmission at critical points. These localized quality enhancements are concentrated where needed for alignment and torque transfer, while the rest of the interface remains simple for easy operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant insertion assembly including an insertion handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including a recessed portion, an outer wall of the recessed portion having a first shape about a perimeter thereof and including an engagement mechanism. The implant insertion assembly also includes an implant extending from a distal end to a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the recessed portion of the insertion handle, the opening having a second shape configured to mechanically interlock with the outer wall of the recessed portion when the recessed portion is inserted therein to transmit torque from the insertion handle to the implant, the proximal end including a receiving structure in a wall thereof, the receiving structure being positioned and oriented to receive the engagement mechanism to removably lock the insertion handle to the implant in the axial direction.