Automated Implant Insertion Device with Dual-Axis Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting implants, such as grommets for treating otitis media with effusion, are invasive and require general anesthesia, costly expertise, and specialized equipment, posing challenges in precision, speed, and patient trauma.
Innovation Solution
A device with an operable portion and actuator mechanism that moves along two axes to make incisions and insert implants, featuring a cutting tool with a two-step edge and a fiberscope for visualization, allowing for precise, automated, and minimally invasive procedures without general anesthesia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional manual methods are used to insert implants, then the procedure requires general anesthesia and specialized equipment, but this increases patient trauma, complexity, and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical tools with an automated device that uses controlled linear motion along two perpendicular axes to perform incision and implant insertion. The actuator mechanism substitutes manual surgical manipulation with automated positioning, reducing the need for complex specialized equipment while minimizing patient trauma through precise, controlled movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions (positioning, incision, implant holding, and insertion) into a single self-contained system. The operable portion automatically performs the incision and subsequent implant insertion without requiring separate manual steps, reducing dependency on specialized equipment and expert intervention while minimizing patient trauma.
2Productivity
If traditional implant insertion methods are used, then the procedure requires general anesthesia and expert intervention, but this increases loss of time and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with the implant in the operable portion before the procedure begins. The actuator mechanism and positioning system are prepared in advance to execute the incision and insertion sequence automatically, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and expert intervention during the procedure, thereby reducing both anesthesia time and overall procedure time while increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the incision and implant insertion as a continuous automated sequence without interruption. The actuator mechanism maintains continuous controlled motion along the first and second axes, eliminating pauses and manual repositioning, which reduces total procedure time and increases productivity without requiring prolonged anesthesia or expert intervention.
3Measurement precision
If automated actuator mechanism is used to move operable portion along two axes, then precision and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is divided into two independent linear actuators, each responsible for motion along one of the two perpendicular axes. This segmentation allows each actuator to be simple and precise, while the combination provides the full two-dimensional positioning capability. The operable portion is also segmented into the cutting tool and implant holder, which can be independently controlled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The operable portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it can make the incision with the cutting tool and then hold and insert the implant. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools and reduces device complexity. The same actuator mechanism that positions the cutting tool also positions the implant holder, making the system universal and reducing overall complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
In various embodiments, a device for inserting an implant on a human or animal body may be provided. The device may include an operable portion configured to make an incision on the human or animal body and configured to hold the implant for insertion on the human or animal body. The device may further include an actuator mechanism coupled to the operable portion, the actuator mechanism configured to move the operable portion along a first axis and configured to vibrate the operable portion along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.