Self-Retaining Screw Interface for One-Handed Precise Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners lack a reliable mechanism for temporary retention and centering during installation, particularly in applications where manual dexterity is limited, such as in small bone surgery or medical procedures, leading to issues like dropped screws and unintended damage.
Innovation Solution
A self-retaining screw and screwdriver system featuring a proximal end with a head incorporating a recess and projection that engages with a corresponding feature on the screwdriver, providing a friction fit or detent-type mechanism for secure provisional engagement, allowing the screw to be preloaded and manipulated with one hand without manual holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driver is used to install a fastener, then the fastening operation can be performed, but the driver may unintentionally dislodge or drop the fastener into the workpiece causing damage or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary retention mechanism between the driver and fastener. A retention feature on the driver engages with a corresponding feature on the fastener head, acting as a mediator that prevents the fastener from detaching or dropping during the fastening operation, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling the fastening operation and preventing harmful drops
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature is designed to engage beforehand with the fastener, providing a safety mechanism that cushions against the potential harm of dropping. The retention feature acts as a preventive measure that is already in place before the fastening operation begins, ensuring the fastener cannot accidentally detach
2Ease of operation
If two hands are used to manipulate the driver and hold the workpiece, then better control is achieved, but in surgical applications only one hand is typically available
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is designed with self-retaining features that automatically engage with the fastener without requiring manual holding or assistance from a second hand. The retention feature creates a self-service system where the driver itself secures the fastener, enabling single-hand operation while maintaining full control during the fastening process
3Ease of operation
If the driver remains attached to the fastener after installation, then the fastener can be easily removed, but the driver interferes with the fastened components
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to engage during the fastening operation and then automatically disengage after installation. The retention mechanism transitions from an engaged state during installation to a disengaged state after fastening, enabling easy removal without permanent interference with the fastened components
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
This system ensures secure provisional engagement of the screw with the screwdriver, reducing the risk of dropping or misplacement, facilitating precise placement and removal while minimizing damage to the workpiece, and accommodating various fastener types and materials.
Implementation Method 1
The first inner surface includes at least one projection extending proximally from the first inner surface and configured to engage with a corresponding engagement feature of the tool, such as by friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A provisional engagement feature for selectively connecting a fastener such as a screw to a driving tool, the fastener incorporating a head with a recess extending therein and a projection contained within the recess for engagement with a corresponding engagement feature of the driving tool.