Handheld Spinal Rod Bending Instrument with Gear-Driven Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hand-held spinal rod benders are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for additional personnel to hold the rod in place during bending, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies, while table-top benders offer precision but are time-consuming and less efficient.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held bending instrument with first and second lever assemblies and a gear assembly that allows for precise angular rotation of the second bending member relative to the first, enabling controlled bending of surgical implants with ergonomic and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hand-held benders like the French Bender are used, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but bending precision and safety deteriorate due to the need for additional personnel to hold the rod

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidbending precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rod-holding function and rod-bending function into a single integrated hand-held device. The first lever assembly holds the rod while the second lever assembly with gear mechanism applies bending force, eliminating the need for separate personnel to hold the rod and thereby improving both precision and safety while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If table-top benders are used, then bending precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to the multi-step process requiring the surgeon to leave the patient's side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending precisionVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex multi-step table-top bender mechanism with a simplified hand-held gear-driven system. The gear assembly provides controlled rotational movement of the second bending member relative to the first, enabling precise bends to be made directly at the patient's side, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically improving surgical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the French Bender is operated by bringing handles together, then bending capability is achieved, but safety deteriorates due to accidental surgeon injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidsurgeon injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional cam-action mechanism by using a gear assembly where the second bending member rotates relative to the first bending member. This reversal of the mechanical action provides more controlled and predictable force application, reducing the risk of accidental surgeon injury while maintaining bending capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 instrument provides precise bends at desired angles with improved ergonomics and safety, reducing the need for additional assistance and increasing efficiency compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a gear assembly that is rotatively coupled to the distal portion of the first lever and that can be configured for rotation about a common axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

first and second lever assemblies. The first lever assembly can have a first lever and a first bending member that is mounted on a distal portion of the first lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 3

first lever assembly can have a first lever and a first bending member that is mounted on a distal portion of the first lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 4

the second lever is configured for pivotal motion relative to the first lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivotal motion: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9003859B2Bending instrument and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 UNIV OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

AI summary

A bending instrument is disclosed having first and second lever assemblies. The first lever assembly has a first lever and a first bending member, and the second lever assembly has a second lever that is configured for pivotal motion relative to the first lever. The bending instrument also has a gear assembly that is rotatively coupled to a distal portion of the first lever and which defines a lobe on which a second bending member is mounted. The second bending member of the gear assembly is configured to be angularly rotated upon the pivotal rotation of the second lever relative to the first lever.