Constant Force Compression Tool for Bone Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inconsistent compression of ground cancellous bone material during measurement leads to varying amounts when transferred from a measurement tube to a jar, due to different force applications by users, resulting in inconsistent packaging and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A constant force compression tool comprising a plunger, handle, biasing member, and retaining element, which applies a standardized pressure to ensure consistent volume measurement, featuring a spring-loaded mechanism and indicator ring for precise volume determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tamping with a solid rod is used to compress ground cancellous bone material, then the operation is simple and quick, but the compression force varies between users resulting in inconsistent measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user's manual force and the plunger, standardizing the compression force applied to the bone material. The spring converts variable user input into a consistent predetermined force, eliminating user-to-user variation while maintaining manual operation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force parameter is changed from variable (user-dependent) to constant (predetermined). The spring mechanism establishes a fixed force parameter that remains consistent across all users and operations, solving the measurement precision problem while preserving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable compression force is applied during measurement, then the operation remains flexible and adaptable, but the volume measurement accuracy deteriorates due to material expansion after transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies preliminary standardized compression to the bone material before transfer, ensuring the material is compacted to a known density state. This preliminary action prevents subsequent expansion during transfer by establishing consistent initial compression, thereby improving volume measurement accuracy while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable mechanical force applied by different users is replaced with a controlled spring-based mechanical system. This substitution standardizes the compression parameter, ensuring consistent volume measurement accuracy while preserving the adaptability of the manual measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If standardized compression force is applied using a spring mechanism, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases compared to a simple solid rod
Solution Approach 1:
The compression tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle for user operation, a spring mechanism for force standardization, and a plunger for material compression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving measurement precision while keeping the overall device relatively simple and maintainable.
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
Ensures consistent and accurate measurement of compressible materials, reducing variability between users and maintaining material volume consistency throughout the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member in communication with the plunger and the handle so as to provide a biasing force between the plunger and the handle; wherein the spring has a fully compressed configuration extending the first end of the plunger an appropriate distance
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a constant force compression tool for measuring a compressible material. In an embodiment, the tool includes a handle having a passageway receiving a plunger. The tool includes a biasing member in communication with the plunger and the handle. The tool includes a retaining element in communication with the plunger and the handle. There is disclosed a system for measuring a compressible material with a measurement tube and a constant force compression tool. There is disclosed a method of measuring a compressible material. In an embodiment, the method includes selecting a measurement tube. The method includes placing a compressible material into the measurement tube. The method includes pressing a plunger against the compressible material. The method includes monitoring an indicator to determine a full volume of compressible material between the end of the plunger and the conical tube. Other embodiments are also disclosed.