Cam-Actuated Sleeve Separation Device for Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices are inadequate for safely and efficiently separating sleeves from implant heads, particularly when the sleeves lack internal screw threads, as they require sufficient space and can cause damage or fail due to thread burring.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a drive shaft with a cam that applies torque parallel to its axis, allowing for the separation of both threaded and non-threaded sleeves from implant heads with minimal force, without damaging the sleeve, and is designed for use in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded spigot separation device is used to remove taper sleeves, then the device can effectively separate the sleeve from the implant head, but the device cannot be used with sleeves lacking screw threads and causes thread burring damage
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is divided into distinct functional components: a spigot portion for engagement, a cam mechanism for force application, and a drive shaft for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the spigot engages the sleeve without threads, the cam provides mechanical advantage for separation, and the drive shaft transmits rotational force.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a threaded spigot that screws into the sleeve (conventional approach), the invention uses a smooth spigot that engages the sleeve's outer surface and applies radial outward force through cam action. This inverted approach eliminates thread engagement entirely, allowing removal of both threaded and non-threaded sleeves without causing thread burring.
2Reliability
If threaded sleeves are used to ensure secure engagement, then the sleeves can be reliably attached to implant heads, but the sleeves are more difficult to manufacture and prone to failure due to thread burring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the thread feature from the sleeve design, using a smooth bore sleeve instead of a threaded sleeve. The engagement security is maintained through the cam mechanism's radial outward force on the sleeve's outer surface, which presses the sleeve against the implant head's taper. This eliminates the need for threading operations during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the engagement parameter from threaded connection to cam-actuated radial pressure. By modifying the separation mechanism to apply force radially outward on the sleeve's outer diameter rather than through threads, the system maintains secure engagement while simplifying sleeve manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-threaded sleeves are used to simplify manufacturing, then the sleeves are easier to manufacture and less prone to damage, but existing separation devices cannot remove them effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is designed with universal applicability to handle both threaded and non-threaded sleeves. The smooth spigot portion can engage the outer surface of any sleeve type, and the cam mechanism provides the necessary mechanical advantage to separate both threaded and non-threaded sleeves from implant heads, making the device versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary that converts rotational motion of the drive shaft into radial outward force on the sleeve. This intermediary mechanism enables the effective removal of non-threaded sleeves by providing the necessary mechanical advantage without requiring direct thread engagement.
4Ease of operation
If sufficient space is provided at the base of the sleeve for a bottom surface, then threaded separation devices can be used, but space is consumed that could be used for other purposes in constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying separation force from the bottom surface of the sleeve (conventional threaded approach), the invention applies radial outward force on the sleeve's outer surface through cam action. This inverted approach eliminates the need for a recessed bottom surface in the sleeve, conserving space in constrained environments.
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 efficient and damage-free separation of sleeves from implant heads, facilitating the use of non-threaded sleeves that are easier to manufacture and less prone to damage, and can be used in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a cam, wherein the cam is disposed such that when, in use, a torque is applied to the drive shaft via the proximal end the cam acts in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1, 7) for separating a sleeve from an implant head, comprising a drive shaft (2) having a proximal end (3) and a distal end (4), the distal end having a cam (6), wherein the cam is disposed such that when, in use, a torque is applied to the drive shaft via the proximal end the cam acts in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the drive shaft. A method of separating a sleeve from an implant head using such a device.