Bone Cement Monomer Transfer via Vacuum Cannula

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mixing polymer and monomer to produce bone cement, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,168, do not meet current demands for quick and effective distribution of the monomer within the polymer, resulting in suboptimal bone cement properties.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a cannula to transfer monomer from a liquid container to a mixing container using vacuum suction and pressure differences, ensuring rapid and effective distribution of the monomer within the polymer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If monomer is poured into mixing container from liquid container, then mixing can occur, but distribution of monomer in polymer is not quick and effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing speedVSAvoiddistribution effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses vacuum pressure (pneumatic principle) to suction the liquid component through a cannula directly into the powder component. The vacuum creates a pressure difference that forces rapid and uniform distribution of the liquid throughout the powder, resolving the contradiction between mixing speed and distribution effectiveness by using pneumatic forces to achieve both simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If cannula is used to transfer monomer under vacuum, then distribution becomes quick and effective, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing speedVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the liquid component from its container through a cannula and directly introduces it into the powder component. By taking out the liquid transfer process and performing it under vacuum through a simple cannula insertion, the system achieves rapid mixing without requiring complex multi-component devices. The simplicity of the cannula approach minimizes device complexity while maximizing mixing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If monomer is injected into mixing container through punctured membrane, then transfer can occur, but distribution effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer processVSAvoiddistribution effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of injecting the liquid component through a punctured membrane into the powder (as in prior art), the patent inverts the approach by using vacuum to suction the liquid component through a cannula directly into the powder. This inversion of the transfer direction and mechanism achieves both ease of operation and superior distribution effectiveness, as the vacuum-driven flow naturally distributes the liquid throughout the powder matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This approach enables quick and effective mixing and distribution of the monomer within the polymer, improving the production of bone cement with enhanced properties by using a cannula to facilitate efficient transfer under vacuum conditions.

Implementation Method 1

monomer through said cannula is transferred to the mixing container by being sucked thereinto by vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

pressed thereinto by pressure differences between the interior and exterior of the liquid container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7980754B2Method for bringing a powder and a liquid component in contact with each other for mixing to form bone cement

Publication Date: 2011.07.19 ENCORE MEDICAL L P (D B A DJO SURGICAL)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for bringing a powder and a liquid component, preferably polymer and monomer, in contact with each other for mixing thereof, preferably to form bone cement, wherein the powder component (P) is placed in a mixing container (1) in which the mixing shall occur and the liquid component (M) in a liquid container (18) from which said the liquid component (M) is transferred to the powder component (P) in the mixing container (1). In this method, a vacuum is generated in the mixing container (1) and the liquid container (18) is opened by means of at least one cannula (14) or similar member through which the liquid component (M) can be brought to flow from the liquid container (18) to the mixing container (1). The vacuum is brought to suck the liquid component (M) from the liquid container (18), through the cannula (14) and into the mixing container (1) to the powder component (P) therein, and/or is the liquid component (M) pressed into the mixing container (1) through the cannula (14) while the liquid container (18) is compressed because of the pressure difference between the vacuum in the interior of the liquid container (18) and the air pressure outside the liquid container. The invention also relates to a device for carrying through the method.