Acetabular Cup Inserter with Automatic Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inserters for acetabular cups are not adaptable for different cup sizes and types, particularly flexible cups, and do not prevent accidental impact when the cup is still attached, failing to compensate for cup deformation.
Innovation Solution
A modular inserter with a handle, anvil, and retention system that automatically releases the cup upon impact, featuring a rotatable and axially movable actuator to securely hold and release the cup, and interchangeable impaction heads for various cup configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inserter uses a fixed retention system design, then it can securely hold the cup during insertion, but it cannot adapt to different cup sizes and types
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is designed with a universal impaction head that can accommodate multiple cup sizes and types through a single standardized interface. The head includes a central opening and peripheral flange that work with various cup configurations without requiring different inserter designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter is divided into modular components including the handle, retention system, and impaction head that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the retention system to maintain a standardized design while adapting to different cup types through interchangeable components.
2Reliability
If the cup remains attached to the inserter during impact, then the retention system must remain engaged, but this creates risk of accidental impact and cup damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the operator to perform a preliminary release action by rotating the actuator before impact. This preliminary action disengages the retention system from the cup, ensuring the cup is free-floating and properly positioned before the impacting force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the retention system. By rotating the actuator, the operator mediates the disengagement of the retention system, providing a controlled transition from the held state to the free state before impact.
3Measurement precision
If the retention system holds the cup firmly, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the cup cannot be released for impact
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system transitions from a static held state to a dynamic released state through rotation of the actuator. The retainer moves from engaging the outer rim of the cup to a retracted position, allowing the cup to be freely impacted while maintaining precise positioning capability during the held state.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to be operated by the operator's manual rotation, which automatically triggers the release mechanism. The system serves itself by converting the simple rotational motion into the complex action of disengaging the retainer from the cup's outer rim.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the inserter is designed for rigid cups, then structural stability is maintained, but it cannot accommodate flexible cups that deform during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The impaction head design accommodates parameter changes in the cup by providing a central opening that allows flexible cups to deform and expand during insertion. The peripheral flange provides structural stability while the central opening accommodates the changing geometry of flexible cups as they are impacted into position.
Data Source
AI summary
An inserter for locating and impacting an acetabular cup which has an inner bearing surface in a prepared acetabulum. The inserter has a handle carrying an anvil, an impaction head adapted to receive the cup and a retention system for attaching the cup to the inserter. The retention system extends between an actuator in the handle and the impaction head. The actuator is operable to free the retention system from the cup by impacting the anvil.