Surgical Cutting Block with Roller Adjuster for Depth Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical cutting block systems lack ease of use and cleanability due to complex and expensive gear-based actuators that trap debris, making it difficult for surgeons to adjust the depth and varus/valgus angle during orthopedic procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical cutting block system featuring a reference block, cutting block, and adjuster with a roller and turn knob, where the cutting block moves along a depth arm with longitudinal grooves, allowing for adjustable depth and varus/valgus angle positioning, and a resilient member for secure coupling, facilitating easy cleaning with a gap design to prevent material trapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rack and pinion type linear actuator with gears is used to adjust cutting block depth, then the cutting block depth can be adjusted, but the actuator becomes expensive to manufacture and difficult to clean due to material trapping between gear teeth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting block depth adjustabilityVSAvoidactuator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex gear mechanism entirely and replaces it with a simple linear actuator that moves the cutting block along a guide rail. This extraction of the problematic gear component eliminates material trapping issues while maintaining depth adjustability functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using rotating gears to achieve linear motion, the patent inverts the approach by using direct linear actuation with a guide rail system. The linear actuator moves the cutting block directly along the guide rail, reversing the traditional mechanical advantage approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a rack and pinion type linear actuator with gears is used to adjust cutting block depth, then the cutting block depth can be adjusted, but the actuator becomes expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting block depth adjustabilityVSAvoidactuator manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex gear mechanism entirely and replaces it with a simple linear actuator that moves the cutting block along a guide rail. This extraction of the problematic gear component eliminates material trapping issues while maintaining depth adjustability functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, less expensive components such as a basic linear actuator and guide rail system instead of precision gear mechanisms. This substitution with more affordable components reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the required functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If existing systems use gear-based actuators for depth adjustment, then depth adjustment is possible, but the systems are difficult to clean due to material trapping between teeth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcleanability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex gear mechanism entirely and replaces it with a simple linear actuator that moves the cutting block along a guide rail. This extraction of the problematic gear component eliminates material trapping issues while maintaining depth adjustability functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using rotating gears to achieve linear motion, the patent inverts the approach by using direct linear actuation with a guide rail system. The linear actuator moves the cutting block directly along the guide rail, reversing the traditional mechanical advantage approach.

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 system enables quick and precise positioning of the cutting block at desired depths and angles, enhancing surgical efficiency and cleanliness by reducing material trapping and maintenance complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The adjuster can include a resilient member having a base and at least one leg extending from the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9622755B2Surgical cutting block

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 ZIMMER INC

AI summary

Tools or other instruments can be used by a surgeon to complete an orthopedic procedure. One tool can include a reference block and a cutting block coupled to the reference block via an adjuster. The reference block can include a body portion and a depth arm having at least one longitudinal groove extending along a side surface. The adjuster can be coupled to the cutting block and configured to move the cutting block along the depth arm. The adjuster can include a roller having an elongate body, the roller including at least one circular guide member and a turn knob positioned along the elongate body, and a resilient member having a base and at least one leg extending from the base, where the adjuster is configured to couple the cutting block to the depth arm.