Bone Staple Inserter Elastic Deformation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone staple technologies face challenges in efficiently transitioning between a free state and an elastically deformed state for effective implantation, particularly due to material limitations and resistance from bone tissue, which affects the staple's ability to securely engage and then relax back to its original shape.
Innovation Solution
A bone staple system comprising a body with bone engagement members and connecting means that can be elastically deformed using an inserter, allowing the staple to transition between a free state and an elastically deformed state for implantation, with the inserter utilizing hooks and ram pins to apply controlled deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the staple is made from high elasticity materials to enable elastic deformation, then the staple can resume its free state after implantation, but the material resistance from bone tissue prevents complete relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter applies preliminary elastic deformation to the staple before implantation, spreading the bone engagement members apart to fit within the bone cavity. This preliminary action prepares the staple for implantation while knowing that complete relaxation will be prevented by bone resistance, so the design accounts for partial relaxation only.
2Strength
If the bone engagement members are designed to converge at distal tips in free state, then the staple can securely engage bone tissue when deformed, but transition between states requires overcoming material and bone resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter acts as an intermediary tool that applies controlled force to deform the staple. The inserter includes a cavity that receives the staple and applies force through the connecting means to spread the bone engagement members apart, facilitating the transition without requiring excessive force from the surgeon directly.
3Ease of operation
If the staple legs are designed to progressively approach parallel condition during deformation, then implantation is facilitated, but the deformation process requires controlled force application
Solution Approach 1:
The staple is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow progressive deformation. The bone engagement members are configured to progressively approach a parallel condition as force is applied, creating a controlled deformation process that facilitates implantation while maintaining safety margins to prevent excessive force application.
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
Enables secure engagement and partial relaxation of the staple within bone tissue, enhancing implant stability and ease of deployment while maintaining the ability to return to a free state post-implantation.
Implementation Method 1
The staple may be made from high elasticity materials such as nitinol and/or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) so that the staple may be elastically deformed by an external force, and then resume the free state when the external force is removed.
Implementation Method 2
moving the first and second hooks proximally relative to the ram pin causes the body to elastically deform against the resistance of the ram pin to move the implant into the elastically deformed state
Data Source
AI summary
An implant delivery system includes an implant and an inserter releasably connectable to the implant. When the inserter is connected to the implant, actuating the inserter moves the implant between a free state and an elastically deformed state. The implant has a body with a bone facing surface and bilaterally protruding connecting means. The inserter has hooks that engage under the connecting means. The hooks and the rest of the inserter are proximal to the bone facing surface so that the implant may be fully seated against a bone surface while connected to the inserter.