Orthopedic Screwdriver
Orthopedic Screwdriver from Ryan Blumenstein
Orthopedic Screwdriver

This mechanical engineering design project involved the design, prototyping, and testing of an orthopedic torque driver for manual insertion of surgical screws into bone material with precise torque control to prevent damaging the bone. The tool is adjusted to the desired torque limit with a knob at the base of the handle. When the applied torque exceeds that setting, a ball detent clutch disengages the driver shaft from disengage from the handle, preventing over-tightening.
Our team of three students conducted background research, concept generation and selection, mechanical design, prototype fabrication, and testing of the tool.

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Project Overview. Click "Full Size" (Magnifying Glass icon) to view slides.
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The completed prototype.
Rendering of a section view showing the lead screw and ball detent clutch mechanisms.
The internal mechanism of the tool, shown without the plastic handle.
An exploded view of the tool assembly.
Cross section showing the lead screw mechanism.
Engineering drawings, produced with Autodesk Inventor. Click "View Full Size" (magnifying glass icon) to see full drawing set.
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An early concept drawing.
A working design sketch.
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Orthopedic Screwdriver

This mechanical engineering design project involved the design, prototyping, and testing of an orthopedic torque driver for manual insertion of surgical screws into bone material with precise torque control to prevent damaging the bone. The tool is adjusted to the desired torque limit with a knob at the base of the handle. When the applied torque exceeds that setting, a ball detent clutch disengages the driver shaft from disengage from the handle, preventing over-tightening.
Our team of three students conducted background research, concept generation and selection, mechanical design, prototype fabrication, and testing of the tool.

View Website
Ryan Blumenstein
Saint Louis, MO