Acetabular Cup Implantation Assembly with Separable Gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies for implanting acetabular cups in cotyloid cavities have complex structures, leading to high manufacturing costs and increased sterilization requirements due to intricate designs with multiple interstitial spaces.
Innovation Solution
A simplified assembly comprising a separable gripper and handle, where the gripper is designed with reversible retaining members and a movable pusher for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for single-use sterilization and reduced sterilization needs, with connecting means that ensure secure engagement and easy ejection of the acetabular cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripping head with radially movable locking tabs and multiple interstitial spaces is used to retain the acetabular cup, then the acetabular cup can be securely retained during implantation, but the instrument structure becomes complex and expensive to manufacture, and sterilization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping head is divided into multiple independent retaining members (locking tabs) that can function separately. Each locking tab operates independently to engage with the acetabular cup, allowing the system to maintain reliability while simplifying the overall structure through modular segmentation of the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex interstitial spaces and multiple moving parts are eliminated by extracting only the essential retention function. The design uses simple locking tabs that engage with snapping rims on the acetabular cup, removing unnecessary structural elements while maintaining secure retention during implantation.
2Reliability
If multiple interstitial spaces are included in the gripping head design, then the acetabular cup can be retained through multiple engagement points, but the sterilization process becomes more complex and usage cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping head is designed as a disposable component that can be sterilized and packaged separately. This allows for simplified sterilization processes without the need for complex re-sterilization equipment, as each gripping head is intended for single-use after initial sterilization, reducing overall usage costs despite multiple engagement points.
3Reliability
If a complex gripping head structure with multiple moving parts is used, then the acetabular cup can be securely retained and released, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical movements to retain and release the cup, the design inverts the approach by using elastic deformation of simple locking tabs. The retaining members are pre-loaded in a deformed state and naturally engage with the acetabular cup, requiring no complex actuation mechanisms while maintaining reliable retention and release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the physical state of the retaining members by utilizing elastic deformation. The locking tabs are made from elastic material that can be deformed during assembly to engage with the acetabular cup, and then naturally return to their original shape to maintain retention, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly having a acetabular cup has at least two snapping rims; the gripper is a subassembly separated from the handle, including a snapping teeth suitable for engaging with the snapping rims included by the acetabular cup. The gripper includes a movable pusher, capable, during its movement, of exerting thrust on the acetabular cup along the axis of revolution of said acetabular cup, so as to disengage the snapping rims comprised by the acetabular cup from their engagement with the snapping teeth included by the gripper; and the assembly includes an actuating device for actuating the movable pusher.