Acetabular Cup Inserter with Automatic Impact Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acetabular cup inserters are not adaptable for different cup sizes and do not have a mechanism to safely release the cup if inadvertently impacted while still attached, posing a risk of improper implantation.

Innovation Solution

An inserter with a handle, impaction head, and actuating means where the anvil operates to free the retention mechanism from the cup upon impact, ensuring the cup is released if impacted with the inserter still attached, and accommodating various cup configurations through adjustable retention means and interchangeable impaction heads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the retention means are designed to securely hold the cup during implantation, then the cup positioning stability is improved, but the risk of accidental impact with cup still attached increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecup positioning stabilityVSAvoidaccidental impact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter is designed with a pre-configured release mechanism that automatically engages when impact occurs. The actuating means is positioned and configured so that any impact force on the impaction head during cup attachment automatically triggers the release of retention means, preventing harmful effects before they can cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates an automatic feedback mechanism where the impact event itself serves as the trigger signal. When the impaction head receives impact force while the cup is attached, this feedback automatically activates the release mechanism to disengage the retention means, ensuring safe operation without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the inserter is designed for a particular cup size, then the positioning precision is improved, but the adaptability for different cup sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidadaptability for different cup sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter is designed with universal retention means that can accommodate multiple cup sizes and types. The retention mechanism features adjustable or interchangeable components that maintain precise positioning capability across different cup configurations, allowing a single inserter design to serve multiple functions for various acetabular cup sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention means incorporate dynamic or adjustable elements that can adapt to different cup dimensions. This may include movable retention components, adjustable positioning mechanisms, or flexible engagement features that maintain optimal positioning precision while accommodating variations in cup size and geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the retention means remain engaged during impact, then the cup positioning stability is improved, but the safety of the surgical procedure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecup positioning stabilityVSAvoidsurgical procedure safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage when impact occurs during cup attachment. This preliminary safety design ensures that if the inserter is accidentally impacted while the cup is still attached, the retention means are immediately released, preventing potential harm to the patient and ensuring surgical safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-protection through automatic release functionality. The actuating means is designed to automatically respond to impact conditions without requiring surgeon intervention or external control systems. The retention means self-release when impact detects that the cup is not properly positioned, enhancing surgical safety through autonomous protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 inserter ensures safe and accurate placement and implantation of acetabular cups by automatically releasing the cup if impacted with the inserter attached, allowing for flexible use with different cup sizes and types, reducing the risk of improper implantation.

Implementation Method 1

means for resiliently biasing the actuating means towards the first and second positions can be provided and can be in the form of a compression spring which acts on said rotatable operating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

impaction of the anvil operates said actuating means to free the retention means from the cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP2347736B1Inserter for locating and impacting an acetabular cup
Publication Date: 2013.01.16 BENOIST GIRARD SAS
  • EP2347736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2347736B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2347736B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An inserter for locating and impacting an acetabular cup which has an inner bearing surface in a prepared acetabulum, comprising a handle carrying an anvil, an impaction head adapted to receive said cup and retention means for attaching said cup to the inserter extending between actuating means in the handle and the impaction head and in which said actuating means are operable to free the retention means from the cup by impacting the anvil.