Compliant Inserter for Implants with Segmented Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implant inserter devices often fail due to breakage when applying insertion forces, especially when inserting anchors at off-axis angles or under lateral loads, due to the lack of internal support and sufficient deformation control.
Innovation Solution
An implant inserter with a substantially rigid shaft and a compliant region between the tip and shaft, allowing for localized bending and internal support during insertion, featuring a bellows-type structure or malleable materials to reduce lateral force requirements and prevent breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the driver tip is constructed of hardened material to provide strength, then the tip is strong, but it becomes brittle and lacks ductility, resulting in failure under large strains
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is divided into distinct segments: a rigid proximal shaft for force application and a compliant distal tip region for strain absorption. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specialized function - the rigid shaft provides structural strength while the compliant tip prevents brittle failure under strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties or structural parameters are changed along the length of the driver, with the distal tip having different mechanical properties (more compliant, less rigid) compared to the proximal shaft. This gradient in parameters allows the tip to deform under strain while the shaft maintains strength.
2Strength
If a rigid tip is used to provide internal support during insertion, then insertion support is improved, but the tip is prone to breakage under lateral loads or off-axis insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant region is designed in advance to absorb and cushion lateral or off-axis loads that may occur during insertion. This pre-designed compliance feature protects the rigid tip and implant from breakage by allowing controlled deformation under unexpected loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the driver have different mechanical qualities - the proximal shaft is rigid for structural support and force transmission, while the distal tip region is compliant for strain absorption and breakage prevention. This local differentiation of properties optimizes both support and safety.
3Force
If sufficient force is applied to drive the implant into bone, then insertion is achieved, but the driver tip may break under the applied strain
Solution Approach 1:
The driver structure segments the force transmission path, with the rigid proximal shaft transmitting insertion force while the compliant distal tip region absorbs strain during the insertion process, preventing tip breakage even under high force conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant region acts as an intermediary element between the rigid shaft and the implant tip, mediating the stress and strain during insertion. It allows the high forces needed for insertion to be applied while protecting the critical tip region from breaking under those same forces.
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 inserter effectively minimizes breakage and provides internal support for implants during insertion, accommodating misalignment and lateral forces, ensuring secure anchor fixation without damaging the implant or bone.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant region disposed between the tip portion and the shaft which requires less lateral force to bend than the tip portion
Data Source
AI summary
An improved implant inserter, and method of using same, with an elongated, substantially rigid shaft having a proximal surface which is capable of receiving a driving force, and a substantially rigid tip portion having a distal end and a proximal end. At least the distal end of the tip portion is capable of being placed within an implant such as a suture anchor. The inserter further includes a compliant region disposed between the tip portion and the shaft which requires less lateral force to bend than the tip portion, at least when the tip portion has been placed within the implant.