Torque Limiting Device for Surgical Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical tools are prone to damage or inoperability due to high torque and axial loads, leading to costly replacements and interruptions during procedures, and lack interchangeable components for procedural flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with torque limiting elements that disengage when excessive rotational force is applied, allowing for safe handling and re-engagement without removing the tool, and an axial load limiting system that absorbs excessive loads, combined with interchangeable components for varying surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional surgical tools are designed with fixed torque strength, then the tool can withstand high torque forces, but the tool may break or become inoperable when torque exceeds the design limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the torque transmission interface movable rather than fixed. The torque limiting element can transition between engaged and disengaged states based on applied torque, allowing the tool to dynamically adapt to load conditions and prevent catastrophic failure when torque exceeds design limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a torque limiting element that activates before the main tool structure reaches its failure point. This element provides a safety mechanism that absorbs excessive torque through controlled disengagement, protecting the tool from damage before it can cause injury or complete failure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tool is designed to break at a predetermined position, then the breakage occurs in a safer location, but the procedure must be stopped and the tool replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the torque limiting element to automatically re-engage after disengagement without requiring tool removal or manual intervention. The element self-resetts when torque returns to acceptable levels, allowing the procedure to continue uninterrupted while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by allowing the torque limiting element to temporarily disengage (discard torque transmission) during excessive load, then recover and re-engage when conditions normalize. This reversible process prevents permanent damage while maintaining procedural continuity.
3Device complexity
If the surgical tool components are made non-detachable, then the tool structure is simpler, but the tool lacks flexibility for different surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the surgical tool into detachable components, including the torque limiting element as a separate module. This allows individual components to be replaced or adjusted based on procedural needs while maintaining overall system functionality and simplifying the attachment/detachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the torque limiting element and other components to be interchangeable across different surgical tool configurations. A single torque limiting element design can serve multiple procedures and tool types, reducing the need for entirely separate tools while maintaining procedural flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device can include a torque limiting device or system. The surgical device can include a rod attached on one end to a rotatable handle and attached on the opposite end to a surgical implement. A first torque limiting element can be connected to the handle, and a second torque limiting element can be operably connected to the rod and surgical implement and releasably engageable with the first torque limiting element. When the first and second torque limiting elements are engaged, rotation of the handle can cause rotation of the rod and surgical implement. When a rotational force that exceeds a predetermined torque limit is applied to the handle, the first torque limiting element can disengage from the second torque limiting element, so that the handle is rotatable without rotation of the rod and surgical implement. The first and second torque limiting elements can be re-engageable so that further rotation of the handle can cause rotation of the rod and surgical implement.