Surgical Rod Cutter-Bender Pivot Assembly for Lower Bending Effort

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical rod cutters and benders require multiple instruments, are inefficient, and demand significant effort from surgeons due to the hardness of surgical rods.

Innovation Solution

A surgical rod cutter-bender assembly that integrates cutting and bending functions through a pivot mechanism with a protrusion and recess, allowing for a single instrument that reduces the number of tools needed and eases the bending process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate instruments are used for cutting and bending surgical rods, then each function can be performed with dedicated tools, but the number of instruments increases and surgical tray weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cutting and bending functions into a single surgical rod instrument assembly. The assembly includes a rod holder with a cutting mechanism and a bending mechanism integrated into the same structure, allowing both functions to be performed with one instrument rather than requiring separate cutting and bending tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical rod instrument assembly is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform both cutting and bending operations. The rod holder can selectively engage with cutting blades for cutting operations and with bending blocks for bending operations, making it a universal instrument that replaces multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate instruments are used for cutting and bending surgical rods, then each function can be performed with dedicated tools, but the surgical tray weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsurgical tray weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cutting and bending functions into a single surgical rod instrument assembly. The assembly includes a rod holder with a cutting mechanism and a bending mechanism integrated into the same structure, allowing both functions to be performed with one instrument rather than requiring separate cutting and bending tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional cutting and bending methods are used, then standard procedures can be followed, but significant effort is required due to rod hardness and stiffness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure standardizationVSAvoiduser effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bending mechanism includes a block that can be positioned at different locations along the rod and a force application system that allows dynamic adjustment of bending force. The rod holder can pivot to different angles, and the bending block can be moved along the rod length, providing dynamic control over the bending process to reduce user effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bending block serves as an intermediary between the user's applied force and the surgical rod. Instead of applying force directly to the stiff rod, the user applies force to the bending block, which then translates and concentrates this force onto a small area of the rod, making bending easier and more controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If conventional bending methods are used, then simple tools can be employed, but user control over rod shape is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument simplicityVSAvoiduser control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bending mechanism includes a block that can be positioned at different locations along the rod and a force application system that allows dynamic adjustment of bending force. The rod holder can pivot to different angles, and the bending block can be moved along the rod length, providing dynamic control over the bending process to reduce user effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated design allows the user to observe the rod bending in real-time while applying force through the bending mechanism. The rod holder and bending block provide tactile feedback and visual feedback about the bending progress, enabling the surgeon to make immediate adjustments to achieve the desired rod shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 assembly reduces the number of instruments required, decreases the effort needed to bend surgical rods, and provides greater control and mechanical advantage for surgeons.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention significantly increases the user's mechanical advantage, thus reducing the effort required of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12616512B2Surgical rod cutter-bender assembly

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SYMMETRY MEDICAL MANUFACTURING INC

AI summary

A surgical rod cutter-bender assembly includes: a first portion including a protrusion; and a second portion including a recess associated with the protrusion, the first portion and the second portion together defining a pivot axis such that the first portion and the second portion are configured for pivoting relative to one another about the pivot axis.