Bone Cement Mixing Chamber With Piston Compression Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone cement mixing devices require manual mixing, which is inefficient, non-reproducible, and exposes staff to the components, while motorized devices have complex workflows that are difficult for unfamiliar users.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a chamber, piston, and mixing paddle, operated by a motor, that mixes bone cement components at atmospheric pressure and compresses them to a higher pressure for uniformity, using intuitive switches and actuators to automate the process.
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 mixing operations without requiring manual intervention. The motor-driven mixing paddle rotates at controlled speeds to mix bone cement components uniformly, eliminating the need for staff to manually agitate the components while ensuring consistent mixing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing with an automated motor-driven system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, driving the mixing paddle to rotate within the chamber and mix the bone cement components, substituting human physical action with a controlled mechanical system.
2Device complexity
If manual mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but staff exposure to bone cement components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is sealed to contain bone cement components during mixing. The closed chamber prevents staff from being exposed to the components while the mixing operation proceeds automatically, protecting personnel from potential harm without requiring complex additional safety systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If motorized mixing devices are used, then mixing uniformity is improved, but device complexity and workflow complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device controls mixing parameters such as rotation speed and mixing duration to ensure uniform mixing. The motor operates at predetermined speeds for specific time periods, achieving consistent mixing quality through controlled parameter changes rather than complex procedural steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically manages the mixing process without requiring staff to follow complex procedures. The motor-driven system self-regulates the mixing operation, eliminating the need for staff to manually control mixing intensity and duration while ensuring reproducible results.
4Manufacturing precision
If high-pressure compression is used, then bone cement uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a piston mechanism to compress the bone cement mixture within the mixing chamber. The piston applies mechanical pressure to the mixture, improving uniformity and density without requiring complex high-pressure systems. The compression is achieved through straightforward mechanical means integrated into the mixing device.
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 efficient, uniform, and reproducible mixing of bone cement, reducing staff exposure and simplifying the workflow, while eliminating the need for complex high-pressure components.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing paddle rotatable within the chamber to mix the bone cement components to make a bone cement mixture
Implementation Method 2
further movement of the piston within the second region compresses the bone cement mixture within the chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixing device (102) for making bone cement from bone cement components comprises a housing (116), a chamber (112) within the housing (116) and defining an inlet opening (136), a piston (156) disposed in the chamber (112) and comprising a face (174), a mixing paddle (154) rotatable within the chamber (112), and a motor (178) operably coupled to the piston (156) and the mixing paddle (154), the motor (178) configured to effectuate at least one of movement of the piston (156) and rotation of the mixing paddle (154). The chamber (112) has first and second ends (162, 163), and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends (162, 163). A first region (158) of the chamber (112) is defined longitudinally between the first end of the chamber (112) and an end of the inlet opening nearest to the second end of the chamber (112). A second region (160) of the chamber (112) is defined longitudinally between the first region and the second end of the chamber (112). The chamber (112) further defines an outlet port (108) adjacent the second end of the chamber (112) and configured to be arranged in communication with an inlet port (106) of a delivery device (104) removably coupled to the mixing device (102). The face (174) of the piston (156) is configured to be located within the first region of the chamber (112) such that the chamber (112) is at or below atmospheric pressure as the mixing paddle (154) rotates to mix the bone cement components to make a bone cement mixture, and the piston (156) is movable by the motor (178) along the longitudinal axis to cause the face (174) of the piston (156) to pass the inlet opening (136) within the second region of the chamber (112) to provide a fluid-tight closure between the piston (156) and the chamber (112) such that the chamber (112) is sealed from ambient and further movement of the piston (112) within the second region compresses the bone cement mixture and transfers the bone cement mixture to the delivery device (104) through the outlet port (108).