Bone Cement Mixing Chamber With Automatic Mix-Compression Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone cement mixing devices require manual mixing, which is inefficient, non-uniform, and exposes staff to the components, while motorized devices have complex workflows that are difficult for unfamiliar users.
Innovation Solution
A motorized mixing device with a chamber, piston, and mixing paddle that rotates within the chamber, allowing for automatic mixing and compression of bone cement components, featuring switches and actuators for intuitive operation and reduced staff exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing uniformity and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device automatically performs the mixing operation without requiring manual agitation by operating room staff. The motorized paddle mixes the bone cement components autonomously when the device is activated, eliminating the need for staff to manually agitate the components while ensuring consistent and reproducible mixing results.
2Device complexity
If manual mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but staff exposure to bone cement components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously mixes the bone cement components without requiring staff to physically handle or agitate the materials. The motorized system performs the mixing function independently, thereby minimizing staff exposure to the bone cement components while maintaining simple operational procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If motorized mixing devices are used, then mixing uniformity is improved, but device complexity and workflow complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized mixing device automatically initiates and completes the mixing process without requiring complex operational steps from the user. When activated by the operator, the device autonomously controls the mixing paddle and timing, eliminating the need for staff to learn or execute complex workflows while ensuring uniform mixing results.
4Manufacturing precision
If motorized mixing devices are used, then mixing reproducibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for unfamiliar users
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the mixing operation autonomously once activated, requiring minimal user input and no specialized knowledge of mixing parameters. The motorized system automatically controls all aspects of the mixing process, making it equally easy to operate for both familiar and unfamiliar users while maintaining high reproducibility of mixing results.
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 device ensures uniform and reproducible mixing of bone cement, reducing staff exposure and simplifying the workflow, making it easier to use even for those unfamiliar with the device.
Implementation Method 1
further movement of the piston within the second region compresses the bone cement mixture within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the mixing paddle rotates to mix the bone cement components to make a bone cement mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing device and methods for making bone cement. A piston (156) of the mixing device is located in a first region (158) of a chamber (112) such that a mixing paddle (154) rotates to mix bone cement components at a first pressure to make a bone cement mixture. The piston (156) is moved passed an inlet opening (136) to be located within a second region (160) of the chamber (112) to compress the bone cement mixture to a second pressure greater than the first pressure to compress the bone cement mixture and make the bone cement. The bone cement may be transferred to a delivery device. The mixing device may include features that automatically initiate the compression and transferring phases after completion of the mixing phase, and further include features that automatically terminate the operational cycle. A three-step intuitive workflow utilizing the mixing device to improve efficiency in the surgical suite is also disclosed.