Disposable Torque Driver Belt-Driven Use Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable torque-limiting drivers in the medical industry require frequent recalibration to maintain precise torque application, while disposable drivers lack a clear indication of their end-of-life, leading to uncertainty in ensuring accurate torque delivery.
Innovation Solution
A torque-limiting driver with a belt-driven use indicator system, featuring a rotatable indicator wheel with visual cues, that tracks and displays the number of cycles or usage, allowing for precise determination of the end-of-life, ensuring consistent torque application throughout its intended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reusable torque-limiting drivers are used, then torque precision can be maintained, but frequent recalibration is required which increases operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable torque-limiting driver that is calibrated at the factory and discarded after a predetermined number of cycles. This eliminates the need for post-use recalibration, as each disposable unit is pre-calibrated for its intended service life. The disposable nature ensures torque precision without requiring reuse and recalibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque-limiting driver is pre-calibrated during manufacturing before being delivered to the user. The predetermined torque limit is set in advance during factory assembly, so no calibration action is needed during surgical use. This preliminary calibration action transfers the calibration responsibility from the user to the manufacturer.
2Ease of operation
If disposable torque-limiting drivers are used, then ease of operation is improved, but there is no indication of end-of-life leading to uncertainty in torque delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a color-changing indicator on the disposable driver that changes color when the predetermined torque limit is reached. This visual indicator provides clear end-of-life information to the user, eliminating uncertainty about when the driver should be discarded. The color change occurs at the critical threshold, providing intuitive feedback without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual indicator mechanism as an intermediary between the torque-limiting mechanism and the user. This indicator translates the internal torque cycle count into a visible signal that communicates driver status. The indicator acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the mechanical torque limiting function and the user's need to know when replacement is required.
3Measurement precision
If a counter system is added to track usage cycles, then end-of-life determination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complex digital counter or display system, the patent uses a simple color-changing mechanical indicator that provides sufficient information about driver usage status. The color change occurs at the predetermined end-of-life point, providing the necessary measurement precision without requiring complex counting mechanisms, displays, or electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential information function from a complex counter system and implements it through a simple color indicator. Rather than displaying detailed cycle counts or using complex tracking mechanisms, the design extracts only the critical information needed (driver status) and presents it through the simplest possible means (color change), thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiting driver with a belt driven use indicator, having a body with a shaft and tool at one end and a counter or indicator at the other end, is disclosed. The indicator is driven by a drive shaft and belt corresponding to movement of the tool. The indicator provides at least one visual cue which corresponds to a predetermined amount of use, or end of life. Alignment of the at least one visual cue with a sight or mark may be used to estimate or determine usage.