Femoral Offset Instrument Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current femoral offset systems for knee arthroplasty procedures, particularly revision procedures, face challenges in providing a simple and efficient method for determining and adjusting the femoral offset, often requiring complex connection mechanisms that increase procedural effort.
Innovation Solution
A femoral offset system comprising a femur component and a femoral offset instrument with a connection mechanism that includes a fixed peg, a movable peg, and a manually operable operating element. This mechanism allows for easy alignment and secure connection of the instrument to the femur component without the need for screws or other complex fastening methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex connection mechanism (screws or other fastening methods) is used to connect the femoral offset instrument to the femur component, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the procedural effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a fixed peg on the femur component and a movable peg on the instrument. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall connection mechanism while maintaining strength through the distributed peg-receiving pocket arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The movable peg automatically engages with the receiving pocket when the instrument is positioned correctly, eliminating the need for complex fastening operations. The tension force in the spring automatically secures the connection once aligned.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex connection mechanism (screws or other fastening methods) is used to connect the femoral offset instrument to the femur component, then the connection stability is improved, but the procedural effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed peg and receiving pocket are pre-positioned on the femur component during manufacturing. The movable peg is pre-attached to the instrument with a spring mechanism. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the instrument is brought to the component, alignment is automatic and connection is instantaneous, eliminating time-consuming fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The movable peg automatically engages with the receiving pocket when the instrument is positioned correctly, eliminating the need for complex fastening operations. The tension force in the spring automatically secures the connection once aligned.
3Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used to connect the femoral offset instrument to the femur component, then the procedural effort is reduced, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving pockets are designed with curved surfaces that guide the pegs into proper alignment. The movable peg follows a curved path within the receiving pocket, ensuring reliable engagement. This curved geometry provides both ease of operation through automatic alignment and reliability through secure mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the movable peg and the receiving pocket. It provides a controlled tension force that ensures the peg remains engaged with the pocket, reliability-wise, while allowing easy release when needed. The spring mediates between the simplicity of the connection and the need for reliable securing.
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 proposed solution simplifies the workflow in knee arthroplasty procedures by allowing for quick and secure connection of the femoral offset instrument to the femur component, reducing procedural effort and enhancing handling comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a movable peg connected to the femoral offset instrument, a manually operable operating element, which allows retracting the movable peg by applying a manual force against a tension force
Implementation Method 2
the movable peg snaps into the respective receiving pocket due to the acting tension force
Data Source
AI summary
A femoral offset system for use in a knee arthroplasty procedure, in particular a revision procedure, includes a femur component connectable to a distal portion of a femur, and a femoral offset instrument connectable to the femur component. The femoral offset instrument includes a femur support connectable to the femur component via a connection mechanism.