Spring-Loaded Bone Staple Delivery Device Without Pneumatic Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bone stabilization methods involving metallic fastening devices require drilling and often rely on pneumatic systems with hoses or cables, which can be cumbersome and limited in versatility.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical, hose-less, dynamic compression bone staple delivery device with attributes built into the handle, featuring a spring-loaded shaft, latch system, and interchangeable staple cartridges, allowing for various staple sizes and types without the need for cables or hoses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic systems with hoses or cables are used to deliver bone staples, then compression force can be applied to the staple, but the system becomes cumbersome and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external pneumatic system (hoses and cables) from the delivery device, extracting only the essential function of applying compression force. The compression spring is integrated directly into the handle, eliminating the need for external pneumatic components while maintaining the force application capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device uses its own integrated compression spring to provide the necessary compression force, making the system self-sufficient. The spring is stored within the handle and automatically engages with the staple during delivery, eliminating dependence on external pneumatic systems.
2Strength
If traditional metallic fastening devices are used for bone stabilization, then bone segments can be secured, but drilling is required and versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device incorporates a universal coupling mechanism in the handle that can accommodate multiple types and sizes of bone staples. This universal interface allows the same delivery device to deliver various staple configurations, enhancing versatility while maintaining effective bone stabilization.
3Force
If pneumatic systems are used for staple delivery, then compression can be applied, but the systems are not re-usable and lack serialization capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the consumable pneumatic components (hoses and cables) that limited re-usability, retaining only the essential compression function through an integrated spring mechanism that can be reused across multiple procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the handle with the integrated spring to be recovered and reused, while only the disposable staple cartridges are discarded after use. This separation enables serialization and re-usability of the main delivery device.
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
Enables efficient, versatile, and reusable deployment of bone staples with enhanced safety features, providing additional options for orthopedic surgeons and reducing the complexity of traditional stabilization methods.
Implementation Method 1
The spring comprises a compression spring captured between a proximal end of the shaft and a proximal end of the housing in a compressed orientation so that energy is stored for release to drive the shaft distally
Implementation Method 2
A second compression spring is provided for biasing the pawl in its retaining orientation
Implementation Method 3
as a further safety factor, a torsion spring is provided for biasing the trigger against its latch release orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for deploying a staple into desired bone has a staple cartridge for retaining a bone staple and a spring-loaded plunger shaft having a distal end proximal to the bone staple, the plunger shaft being retained in a proximal orientation by a latch. Squeezing a trigger releases the latch, so that the plunger shaft moves to its distal position, striking the staple and deploying the staple distally into a bone site. An additional method step, in the event that one wishes to deploy a differently sized staple, involves detaching the staple cartridge from the device and attaching a differently-sized staple cartridge to the device.