Cup Impactor Clamping Mechanism Reducing Drive Train Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical cup impactors often strain the universal joint of the drive train assembly, leading to reliability and durability issues and complications during surgical procedures for inserting a cup prosthesis in a bone cavity.
Innovation Solution
The design of a cup impactor that minimizes strain on the universal joint by using a clamping mechanism that pulls the distal portion of the drive train assembly, distributing the force through friction between the prosthesis and the impactor nose, thereby reducing the load on the universal joint and enhancing the tool's reliability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping handle pulls the proximal portion of the drive train assembly, then the cup prosthesis is clamped against the impactor nose, but the universal joint experiences considerable strain leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clamping function from the proximal end of the drive train assembly and relocates it to the distal end. The clamping handle now pulls the distal portion of the drive train assembly, separating the clamping action from the universal joint area, thereby eliminating the strain that caused reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism where the clamping handle pulls the distal portion of the drive train assembly, which then transmits the clamping force to the cup prosthesis through the impactor nose. This intermediary approach allows clamping without directly straining the universal joint.
2Reliability
If the clamping handle pulls the proximal portion of the drive train assembly, then the cup prosthesis is secured, but the proximal end of the drive train assembly experiences strain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clamping force application point from the proximal end of the drive train assembly and relocates it to the distal end. This separation removes the harmful strain from the proximal end while preserving the clamping function.
3Ease of operation
If the entire drive train is pulled by the clamping handle, then the cup prosthesis is clamped, but the universal joint fails due to strain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clamping action from the entire drive train and relocates it to only the distal portion. This selective clamping maintains ease of operation while protecting the universal joint from strain that would compromise durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies clamping force locally at the distal portion of the drive train assembly rather than throughout the entire drive train. This localized approach allows effective clamping of the cup prosthesis while avoiding strain on the universal joint and other proximal components.
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 design reduces the risk of complications by maintaining the integrity of the universal joint, ensuring a robust and reliable connection between the prosthesis and the impactor nose, and allowing for easier handling and positioning of the prosthesis during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
distributing the force through friction between the prosthesis and the impactor nose
Data Source
AI summary
A cup impactor (1, 1′, 1″) is provided, adapted to assist a surgeon in controlling implantation of a cup prosthesis (9). The impactor has an impactor body (8), a drive train assembly (71), an impactor nose (38), and a clamping handle (5). The impactor body (8) has on its proximal end, an impaction plate (7) connected thereto, and an impactor handle (6) formed thereon for handling by the surgeon and, on the distal end, an impactor cup support portion (8a) having a receiver recess (8b) therein. A drive train assembly (71) has a prosthesis engaging interface (11) at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end on which a positioning knob (2) is formed. The assembly (71) received and rotatably mounted in the receiver recess (8b) of the body (8) so as to expose the prosthesis engaging surface (11). An impactor nose (38) mounts on the distal end of the impactor body (8), through which the prosthesis engaging interface (11) extends. A clamping handle (5) pulls distal portion of the drive train assembly (71) and therefore any cup prosthesis (9) attached to the engaging interface (11) against the impactor nose (38) so as not to strain the proximal end of the drive train assembly (71).