Surgical Torque-Transmitting Instrument Shank Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face limitations in transmitting high torque efficiently due to material weakening and the need for specialized tools for each handpiece shaft length and shape, leading to increased production and maintenance costs, as well as potential jamming issues during tool use.
Innovation Solution
The design separates the tool shank into distinct functional sections for torque transmission and axial locking, with the locking section positioned proximally to the transmission section, allowing for a smaller radial installation space and increased torque transmission without material weakening, and incorporates a screwing aid with wedge-shaped sliding planes for secure tool alignment and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tool shank is designed with a single integrated structure for both torque transmission and axial locking, then the structure is simpler, but the material is weakened and torque transmission capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool shank is divided into two distinct functional sections: a torque transmission section with a first diameter optimized for transmitting rotational forces, and an axial locking section with a second diameter optimized for securing the tool in the holder. This segmentation allows each section to be dimensioned independently for its specific function, preventing material weakening that would occur in a single integrated structure while maintaining overall structural integrity and maximizing torque transmission capacity.
2Reliability
If specialized tools are designed for each handpiece shaft length and shape, then tool performance is optimized for specific applications, but production and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool shank design with separated functional sections creates a universal interface that can accommodate different handpiece shaft configurations. The standardized torque transmission section and axial locking section allow the same tool to be used across multiple handpiece shaft lengths and shapes, eliminating the need for specialized tools for each application while maintaining optimized performance through proper functional separation.
3Ease of operation
If the locking section is positioned distally to the transmission section, then assembly is simpler, but radial installation space increases and jamming may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the locking section distally as might be intuitively simpler for assembly, the invention inverts this arrangement by placing the locking section proximally to the torque transmission section. This inverted configuration reduces the radial installation space required and prevents jamming issues while still allowing for straightforward assembly through the properly sequenced functional sections.
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
This configuration enables the use of universal tools across different handpiece shafts, enhances torque transmission capacity, reduces production costs, and improves tool holder functionality by preventing jamming and ensuring secure tool alignment.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a screwing aid with wedge-shaped sliding planes for secure tool alignment and engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4a
Figure 4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutting tool of a surgical, torque-transmitting instrument comprising a distal engagement segment to which a tool shaft is connected, the proximal end section thereof being designed to be inserted into a tool receiving section of the instrument, in order to transmit torque. The proximal end section is divided into at least one functional section "torque-transmission" and one functional section "axial locking" which is arranged at an axial distance from the other functional section. According to the invention, the functional section "axial locking" is arranged proximally to the functional section "torque-transmission" with respect to the engagement segment.