Surgical Screw With Hand And Tool Coupling For Torque Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical instruments with fixation screws often present difficulties in operation due to spatial constraints and the need for precise torque application, especially in tight surgical situations where hand operation is challenging and may not provide sufficient force or accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A surgical screw with a combination of hand-operable and tool-operable features, including a cylindrical thread section and a handle section with coupling means for a tool, allowing for flexible operation by hand or with a tool, and designed for easy insertion and high torque application, with ergonomic handle designs and non-circular bore configurations for secure tool engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixation screws are designed for hand operation with simple handles, then ease of manufacture and simplicity are improved, but sufficient turning force and precision are not achieved in tight surgical situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew simplicityVSAvoidturning force and precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The screw head is designed with a bore that can accommodate both manual finger operation and tool insertion, making the same screw adaptable to both hand operation and powered driver operation depending on the surgical situation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A removable tool or adapter can be inserted into the bore of the screw head to provide enhanced leverage and precision when manual operation is insufficient, acting as an intermediary between the surgeon's hand and the screw

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If larger handles are provided for better grip and turning force, then ease of operation is improved, but spatial limitations in tight surgical situations are exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip and turning forceVSAvoidspatial requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw handle design allows dynamic adaptation between compact form for spatial constraints and expanded functionality when tools are inserted, enabling the same component to serve different operational needs based on available space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If fixation screws require tool operation for sufficient torque, then secure fastening is improved, but additional tools and hands are required increasing procedure complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw design integrates both manual and tool-operated capabilities in a single component, allowing the surgeon to choose the appropriate method based on the specific fastening requirement without needing separate tools or assistants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2394583B1Surgical instrument
Publication Date: 2013.04.10 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG
  • EP2394583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2394583B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2394583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A screw (21, 21', 21", 21"', 21"") for a surgical instrument has a screw axis (29) and comprises a tip section on a first end of the screw, a thread section (24), and a head section adjacent to a second end of the screw, the head section comprising handle means for turning the screw by hand. The screw further comprises coupling means at the second end for coupling with a drive section (27, 28) of a tool. The invention also relates to a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument set.