Set Screw Driver With Compressible Wings for Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener-driving tools face challenges in maintaining a stable grip and secure engagement with fasteners, particularly in confined surgical spaces, and there is a risk of improper orientation when using set screws with current drivers.
Innovation Solution
A set screw retaining driver with a corrugated engaging tip and a compressible winged member that creates a friction fit by transitioning between uncompressed and compressed positions, ensuring secure engagement and preventing slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a firm grip is desired between tool and fastener, then engagement strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional retaining structures
Solution Approach 1:
The winged member is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of engagement strength. When extended, it provides strong engagement with the fastener; when retracted, it allows for easier insertion and removal, thus improving engagement strength without permanently increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement strength is adjusted by changing the positional parameter of the winged member along the longitudinal axis of the driver. By moving the winged member between extended and retracted positions, the engagement strength can be optimized for different operational phases without adding permanent complex structures
2Ease of operation
If separate holding of fastener is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens in confined surgical spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The driver integrates both the fastener-holding function and the actuation function into a single tool. The winged member simultaneously holds the fastener and transmits rotational force, eliminating the need for separate holding tools and making the device adaptable to confined surgical spaces where multiple tools cannot be maneuvered
3Manufacturing precision
If consistent bore set screw is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability worsens due to risk of improper orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The winged member is designed with an asymmetric configuration that can only engage with the set screw in the correct orientation. The wings fit into specific features of the set screw bore, preventing improper insertion and ensuring reliable orientation even though the bore itself is consistent and symmetric
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 driver provides a stable, secure, and efficient means to actuate fasteners, reducing the risk of deformation and improper orientation, especially in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The spring bias of the compressible winged member creates an interference fit between the compressible winged member and the set screw and strongly secures the engagement between the driver and the set screw.
Implementation Method 2
The spring bias of the compressible winged member creates an interference fit between the compressible winged member and the set screw and strongly secures the engagement between the driver and the set screw.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for use with a fastener includes a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. The tool includes an engaging tip extending from the distal end, the engaging tip sized and shaped to detachably engage a receiving portion of the fastener, wherein the engaging tip is rotationally fixed to the fastener when the engaging tip is engaged with the fastener. The tool includes a compressible winged member extending distally from the drive shaft, the compressible winged member moveable between compressed and uncompressed positions. In the uncompressed position, the compressible winged member spans a distance greater than an internal diameter of a portion of the receiving portion.