Torque Wrench With Yielding Sections for Consistent Surgical Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque wrenches for surgical devices are complex, expensive, difficult to sterilize, and provide inconsistent torque application, leading to potential patient and user risks due to material fragmentation and poor device performance.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, compact, and biocompatible torque wrench with ergonomic design and weakened sections that yield at a predetermined torque, ensuring consistent and repeatable torque application through dual tightening sockets and a reusable loosening socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known torque wrenches utilize clutch means, spring loading, or interacting parts movable relative to each other, then torque application capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle portion, a working end portion, and a spanner pocket portion. These segments are connected through weakened sections that allow controlled relative movement and deformation, enabling torque application without complex internal mechanisms. The segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque wrench incorporates dynamic elements including weakened sections designed to yield at predetermined torque values, and interacting parts that are movable relative to each other during operation. The spanner pocket portion can rotate relative to the handle portion, and the weakened sections deform under load to indicate torque achievement, providing dynamic response without complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If known torque wrenches utilize complex parts, then torque control is achieved, but sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench is designed as separable segments that can be sterilized independently. The weakened sections and movable parts are positioned such that standard sterilization protocols can be applied to each component, reducing the complexity of the sterilization process while maintaining torque control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque wrench is designed as a disposable instrument with simplified construction that eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes. The single-use design maintains consistent torque parameters through precise manufacturing of the weakened sections, while avoiding the sterilization challenges associated with reusable complex mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If single use torque wrenches are manufactured inexpensively, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but torque consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench applies local quality by concentrating precision requirements in specific areas: the weakened sections are carefully designed with controlled geometry and material properties to yield at exact predetermined torque values. The spanner pocket portion has precisely formed engaging surfaces. This localized precision in critical areas maintains torque consistency while allowing simpler, less expensive construction in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque wrench achieves consistent torque parameters through controlled changes in material properties and geometric parameters of the weakened sections. By varying the cross-sectional area, wall thickness, and material composition in these specific regions, predictable yield torques are achieved. This parameter control enables reliable torque application in inexpensive single-use devices.
4Reliability
If single use torque wrenches are designed to fracture at peak torque, then torque limitation is achieved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench incorporates beforehand cushioning by designing weakened sections that deform in a controlled manner before complete fracture. The spanner pocket portion and handle portion are connected through these weakened sections that yield progressively, absorbing energy and preventing sudden catastrophic failure. This controlled deformation reduces the generation of harmful fragments while maintaining torque limitation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potentially harmful effect of fracture into a beneficial torque indication mechanism. The weakened sections are designed to deform and separate in a controlled way that provides visual and tactile feedback of torque achievement. Instead of creating dangerous fragments, the controlled separation of pre-designed weakened sections safely indicates when the predetermined torque has been reached.
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 torque wrench provides accurate, reliable, and safe torque application with reduced manufacturing costs, allowing multiple attempts for proper installation and minimizing errors, while being easily sterilizable and disposable.
Implementation Method 1
a first weakened section configured to yield at a predetermined torque
Data Source
AI summary
A torque wrench for connecting a first element to a second element includes a shaft extending between a first end and a second end. The torque wrench includes a first tightening socket at the first end. The first tightening socket includes a first spanner pocket configured to receive the first element to tighten the first element to the second element when the torque wrench is rotated in a tightening direction. The first tightening socket is connected to the first end of the shaft by a first weakened section configured to yield at a predetermined peak torque. The torque wrench includes a loosening socket separate from the first tightening socket. The loosening socket includes a loosening spanner pocket configured to receive the first element to loosen the first element from the second element when the torque wrench is rotated in a loosening direction.