Electromagnetic Orthopaedic Impactor for Consistent Implant Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopaedic impactors using handheld mallets or powered devices with pressurized energy storage chambers can result in inconsistent force application, leading to instability in implant fixation during surgeries like total hip arthroplasty, and pose risks due to potential chamber damage.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic impactor with a strike assembly and winding that generates a magnetic field to impart force, allowing for consistent and controlled force application, with the ability to vary impact frequency and direction, and includes a connector mechanism for secure object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld mallet is used to deliver impacting force, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but the force applied to the implant is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical mallet system with a powered impactor device that uses a motor to drive a striker. This substitution eliminates the variability introduced by manual swinging while maintaining ease of operation through automated control, directly resolving the contradiction between simple operation and consistent force delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controllable parameters (impact force, frequency, and duration) that can be adjusted and maintained at optimal levels. By changing from uncontrolled manual force to controlled powered delivery with adjustable parameters, the system achieves consistent force application while remaining easy to operate through standardized controls.
2Reliability
If a powered impactor with pressurized energy storage chamber is used, then the impacting force is consistent, but the device becomes bulky and poses safety risks if the chamber is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pressurized energy storage chamber from the system. Instead of storing energy under pressure, the design uses a motor-driven system that generates force on demand. This removal of the bulky pressurized chamber reduces device complexity and eliminates safety risks associated with pressurized components while maintaining consistent force delivery through controlled motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent avoids using pneumatic or hydraulic pressurized systems entirely. By selecting an electric motor-driven mechanical system instead of pressurized gas or fluid systems, the design eliminates the need for energy storage chambers while achieving consistent force application through electronic control, thereby reducing device complexity and improving safety.
3Strength
If excessive impact force is applied, then the implant is securely fixed, but the bone may fracture due to excessive strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the impacting process and adjust force delivery in real-time. By using feedback to detect bone resistance and impact response, the system maintains optimal force levels that achieve secure implant fixation without exceeding bone strength thresholds, thereby preventing fractures while ensuring proper fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic force adjustment capabilities that allow the impactor to adapt its output in response to real-time conditions. The system transitions from static fixed-force delivery to dynamic controlled delivery, adjusting impact parameters based on bone density, implant position, and resistance forces, thus achieving secure fixation without causing bone fracture.
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 provides consistent and controlled force application, reducing the risk of implant instability and bone fracture, while eliminating the risks associated with pressurized chambers, ensuring precise and reliable implant fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a winding arranged to receive a current and thereby induce a magnetic field; wherein the winding is arranged to interact with the strike assembly so that, in use, a magnetic field generated by the winding causes the strike assembly to move so as to impart the force to the object
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an orthopaedic impactor, comprising: a strike assembly arranged to impart a force to an object; and a winding arranged to receive a current and thereby generate a magnetic field. The winding is arranged to interact with the strike assembly so that, in use, a magnetic field generated by the winding causes the strike assembly to move so as to impart the force to the object.