Surgical Screw Cutting Tool with Measuring Scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical screw systems face challenges with inventory costs and waste due to the inclusion of numerous screw sizes, often with unsuitable length increments, particularly in surgeries requiring high accuracy like cranio-maxillofacial procedures, where intermediate screw lengths are needed but not provided.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool with a measuring scale and screw holder that securely and accurately trims screws to required lengths, accommodating various diameters and catching the trimmed endpiece for safe disposal, featuring pivotally connected grips, cutting apertures, and a spring mechanism for ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screw sizes are provided in the system, then the system can accommodate various surgical needs, but inventory costs and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling continuous adjustment of screw length through a measuring scale and sliding mechanism, rather than providing discrete pre-cut lengths. This allows the same screw to be customized to any required length, eliminating waste from unused screws while maintaining versatility for different surgical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability through the sliding screw holder along the measuring scale, allowing the cutting position to be dynamically changed according to surgical requirements. This dynamic system replaces the static approach of providing multiple fixed-size screws, reducing inventory needs while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If screw lengths are incremented in fixed multiples, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but surgical accuracy is compromised when intermediate sizes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring scale with incremental markings and sliding mechanism provides dynamic length adjustment, allowing precise positioning at any intermediate value between standard increments. This maintains ease of manufacture by using standard screw lengths while achieving surgical precision through adjustable cutting positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring scale is segmented into incremental markings that guide the cutting position, allowing the user to achieve precise intermediate lengths by aligning the screw holder with specific scale divisions. This segmentation provides precision without requiring pre-manufactured intermediate sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cutting tool is designed to accommodate various screw diameters, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool achieves universality through multiple cutting apertures of different diameters and adjustable cutting sleeves that can be positioned to match various screw sizes. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to handle different screw diameters without requiring separate tools for each size, balancing versatility with manageable complexity.
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 tool enables precise cutting of screws to specific lengths, reducing inventory needs and waste by allowing for customized lengths within existing systems, enhancing surgical accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned against the first and second grips, wherein the spring biases the grips in an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A screw cutting tool for cutting a screw comprising a first grip having a first cutting aperture, a second grip pivotally connected to the first grip, the second grip having a second cutting aperture, a measuring scale attached to a proximal end of the first or second grip, and a screw holder slidably attached to the measuring scale having a hole extending therethrough, wherein the hole aligns with the first and second cutting apertures in at least one position.