Offset Acetabular Shell Impactor Adapter for Precise Automated Impaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual impaction of surgical instruments during joint arthroplasty procedures is unpredictable and imprecise, requiring surgeons to hold and strike instruments manually, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic surgical instrument with an elongated body, slideable bolt, lever, and compliant member that allows for secure attachment of prosthetic components to an automated impactor, enabling controlled impaction and precise placement of acetabular shells using an offset design and compliant connection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual impaction is used, then the surgeon can directly control the impaction process, but the impaction becomes unpredictable and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical striking system with an automated surgical impactor that delivers controlled impaction energy. The automated impactor uses a motorized or pneumatically driven mechanism to deliver precise, repeatable impacts without requiring manual striking, thereby eliminating the unpredictability of manual impaction while maintaining ease of operation through a simple interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impaction parameters from uncontrolled manual forces to controlled, measurable parameters such as impact energy, impact frequency, and impact depth. The system allows programming of specific impaction parameters to achieve consistent, precise results while reducing the complexity of manual operation through automated control.
2Reliability
If automated surgical impactor with rigid drive train is used, then controlled impaction energy is delivered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid drive train with a flexible compliant member that connects the automated surgical impactor to the surgical instrument. This compliant member can be a flexible shaft, bellows, or elastic element that transmits impaction energy while accommodating misalignment and reducing the complexity of the overall system. The flexible connection maintains reliability by ensuring controlled energy delivery while simplifying the adapter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compliant member as an intermediary element between the automated impactor and the surgical instrument. This intermediary absorbs misalignment, reduces stress concentrations, and simplifies the connection interface while maintaining controlled impaction energy delivery, thereby reducing overall device complexity without sacrificing reliability.
3Strength
If rigid drive train connection is used, then mechanical strength is maintained, but the adapter cannot accommodate misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible compliant member to replace the rigid drive train connection. This compliant member maintains sufficient mechanical strength to transmit impaction energy while providing the adaptability to accommodate misalignment between the automated impactor and the surgical instrument. The flexibility allows angular and positional deviations without compromising the strength of the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic compliant connection that can adapt during operation. The compliant member allows for movement and adjustment during the impaction process, accommodating misalignment while maintaining connection strength through elastic deformation or controlled flexibility, thereby achieving both strength and adaptability.
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
Facilitates precise and controlled impaction of prosthetic components, reducing manual effort and improving procedural accuracy by allowing single-handed operation and reducing wear on the instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The leaf spring has a first end that is pivotally coupled to the lever and a second end that is pivotally coupled to the carrier such that movement of the lever causes movement of the carrier. In the second position the leaf spring urges the carrier inward away from the implant end
Implementation Method 2
The slideable bolt includes a head and a threaded body positioned at the second end of the elongated body. The threaded body extends outward from the second end of the elongated body. In the second position the carrier pulls the head of the bolt inward away from the implant end
Implementation Method 3
The pivot end of the elongated lever is pivotally coupled to the elongated body. The lever is movable between a first position in which the latch end is spaced apart from the elongated body and a second position in which the latch end is captured by the pushbutton catch
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic surgical instrument may include an elongated body with an implant end and an impactor end. A latch lever may be pivotally coupled to the elongated body. The latch lever may be moveable between an open position and a latched position in which the latch lever is retained within the body. An acetabular shell component may be rigidly attached to the implant end of the elongated body. An automated surgical impactor may be attached to the impactor end.