Electromagnetic Orthopaedic Impactor for Consistent Implant Striking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopaedic impactors using handheld mallets result in inconsistent force application during procedures like total hip arthroplasties, leading to potential inadequate or excessive hoop strain, while powered impactors with pressurized chambers can be bulky and prone to integrity issues, posing risks during surgery.
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 featuring a connector that moves between positions to apply forces in different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
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 inconsistency of manual force application while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controlled parameters for impact force, frequency, and duration through the motorized system. By regulating these parameters electronically, the device achieves consistent force application that cannot be obtained through manual mallet operation alone.
2Manufacturing precision
If a pressurized energy storage chamber is used to deliver controlled force, then the impacting force is consistent, but the device becomes bulky and prone to integrity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressurized energy storage chamber from the system and replaces it with a motor-driven mechanism. This removal eliminates the bulkiness and integrity risks associated with pressurized chambers while maintaining consistent force delivery through electronic control of the motor and striker mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the pneumatic/hydraulic energy storage system with an electromechanical motor system. This substitution reduces device complexity and eliminates pressure-related integrity issues while achieving the same goal of controlled, consistent impact force delivery.
3Manufacturing precision
If a pressurized energy storage chamber is used, then controlled force is delivered, but the integrity of the chamber may be compromised during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressurized chamber entirely from the system, eliminating the reliability risk of chamber compromise. Force control is maintained through motor control mechanisms that regulate the striker's movement and impact parameters without requiring pressurized containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pressurized system with an electromechanical system that achieves force control through motor torque regulation and striker mass control. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues inherent in pressurized chambers while maintaining precise force delivery capability.
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 a consistent and controlled force application, reducing the risk of inadequate or excessive strain, and eliminates the bulkiness and integrity issues associated with pressurized systems, enhancing the safety and efficacy of orthopaedic procedures.
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.