Electromagnetic Impactor Layout for Bidirectional Implant Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical impactors using solenoid-based systems suffer from reverse direction movements that negate intended positioning of implants during orthopedic procedures.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic impactor with a stationary electromagnetic housing and a moving armature component, utilizing coils to generate an electromagnetic field for controlled translation of the armature and striker body, incorporating a spacer to limit unwanted reverse translations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If solenoid-based systems are used to deliver impact energy, then the impactor can generate electromagnetic force for insertion and removal of implants, but reverse direction movements occur that negate the intended positioning effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy deliveryVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a counterbalancing mechanism that anticipates and compensates for the reverse direction movements. The system uses a controlled reverse force application that occurs immediately after the primary impact, preventing the striker from retracting and negating the positioning work. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable positioning accuracy while preserving the power delivery capability of the solenoid-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic field is used to force armature and striker translation, then controlled impact delivery is achieved, but unwanted reverse translations occur after impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled impact deliveryVSAvoidreverse direction movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful reverse translation movement into a beneficial controlled process. Instead of allowing uncontrolled reverse movement that negates positioning, the system deliberately applies a controlled electromagnetic force in the reverse direction to manage the striker's return movement. This transforms the harmful effect into a controllable parameter, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating the harmful reverse translations that affect positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional translation of armature component is enabled, then both insertion and removal operations can be performed, but reverse movements may negate intended positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional operation capabilityVSAvoidimplant positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the electromagnetic force application adaptive and direction-dependent. The system dynamically adjusts the electromagnetic field application based on the operational phase - applying force in the forward direction for insertion, controlling the reverse movement for removal operations. This dynamic control maintains bidirectional operation capability while ensuring that reverse movements do not negate the precision achieved during the forward positioning phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 impactor effectively reduces unwanted reverse direction movements, ensuring precise positioning and removal of implants by controlling translational movements, minimizing the risk of injury to patients and users.

Implementation Method 1

a coil configured to receive an electric current resulting in generation of an electromagnetic field for triggering translation of the armature component within the stationary electromagnetic housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The electromagnetic field may be configured to force the armature component and the striker body to translate in at least one direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20260007445A1Impactor design for bidirectional impact force

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SMITH & NEPHEW ORTHOPAEDICS

AI summary

An impactor and methods of operation of an impactor. The impactor includes an electromagnetic component having a stationary electromagnetic housing and a moving armature component. The housing includes a coil that receives an electric current resulting in generation of an electromagnetic field for triggering translation of the armature within the housing. The impactor includes a striker body coupled to the armature. The striker body includes a distal end. The impactor includes a strike chamber having an interior and a distal strike wall disposed at a distal end of the chamber, and a spacer disposed at a proximal end of the chamber and opposite the distal strike wall. The electromagnetic field forces the armature and the striker body to translate in at least one direction. Translation of the armature causes the distal end of the striker body to strike at least one of the distal strike wall and the spacer.