Parallel Alignment Apparatus for Spine Stabilization Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical apparatuses for parallel alignment of medical instruments used in spine stabilization systems are cumbersome and unreliable, making it difficult to couple instruments and ensure absolute parallel alignment during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus with a frame and coupling devices that allow for parallel alignment of medical instruments, featuring movable coupling devices in a mounting position and immovable alignment, with modular construction and adjustable frame portions to accommodate various instrument configurations, ensuring precise and secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If individual members are coupled directly together to form a medical apparatus for parallel alignment, then the apparatus can be constructed with simpler components, but the coupling process becomes awkward and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The medical apparatus is divided into multiple coupling devices that can be independently coupled to instruments, with each coupling device having movable and immovable coupling members that work together to enable quick attachment while maintaining parallel alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed to be movable relative to each other during the coupling process, allowing for easy attachment of instruments, and then become fixed in position to maintain parallel alignment during use
2Device complexity
If individual members are coupled directly together to form a medical apparatus, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but parallel alignment of instrument longitudinal axes cannot be guaranteed with absolute reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling devices incorporate asymmetric geometric features including conical surfaces and complementary conical recesses that provide self-aligning functionality, ensuring that instruments are automatically oriented in parallel when coupled to the apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members act as intermediary elements between the instruments and the frame, providing a mechanism that enforces parallel alignment through their geometric design and movement constraints
3Productivity
If coupling devices are held movable relative to each other on the frame in mounting position, then the coupling process is simplified and faster, but alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members transition from a movable state during coupling to a fixed state during alignment, with the movable coupling members guiding instruments into proper position before becoming immovable to maintain precision
Solution Approach 2:
The movable coupling members perform preliminary guidance and positioning actions during the coupling process, preparing the instruments for precise parallel alignment before the coupling members become fixed
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus for parallel alignment of at least two medical instruments for holding and manipulating a surgical fastening element is described. The fastening element includes a fastening part and a holding part for a connection element, the holding part being movably mounted relative to the fastening part in a mounting position. The medical instruments have a distal end couplable to the fastening element. The apparatus includes at least two coupling devices, each defining a coupling longitudinal axis, for temporary coupling with proximal ends of the at least two medical instruments, wherein the apparatus comprises a frame, wherein the coupling longitudinal axes of the at least two coupling devices are alignable parallel to one another. Improved sets of medical instruments and improved spine stabilization systems are also described.