Glenosphere Impactor With Swivel Collar for Uniform Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implant positioners and impactors fail to provide uniform load distribution and risk damaging implants with central or offset threaded openings due to non-uniform impact load transfer and thread damage during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A hollow shaft with a spring-loaded center rod and a swivel collar that allows secure screw-on connection to implants with convex or concave surfaces, distributing loads uniformly and preventing thread damage, capable of engaging both central and offset threaded openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a rigid impactor is used to deliver impact force to the implant, then the impact force is sufficient for implantation, but the load is not uniformly distributed and may damage the threaded opening
Solution Approach 1:
The impactor is divided into multiple resilient portions (first resilient portion and second resilient portion) that can independently deform. This segmentation allows each portion to absorb and distribute impact force differently, preventing concentration of stress on the threaded opening while maintaining sufficient overall impact force for implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The impactor uses resilient materials with specific elastic properties that change under impact loading. The resilient portions deform elastically during impact, absorbing energy and distributing loads uniformly across the implant surface, thereby protecting the threaded opening from damage while delivering adequate impact force.
2Strength
If a threaded connector is used to engage the implant, then secure connection is achieved, but the impact load passes through the threads and risks damaging them
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portions act as intermediaries between the impact force and the threaded connector. Instead of direct load transmission through the threads, the resilient portions absorb and redistribute the impact forces, serving as a protective mediator that protects the threads from harmful impact loads while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portions are designed beforehand to cushion and absorb impact forces before they reach the threaded connector. This pre-cushioning mechanism prevents impact loads from directly loading the threads, reducing the risk of thread damage while maintaining connection strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single instrument is designed to handle both central and offset threaded openings, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impactor is designed with universal features including a spherical head that can engage both central and offset threaded openings, and resilient portions that adapt to different implant configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single instrument to replace multiple specialized instruments, improving versatility while keeping the design relatively simple through functional integration.
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
Enables secure and uniform impact loading on orthopedic implants with both central and offset threaded openings, reducing the risk of thread damage and allowing for a single instrument to replace two dedicated instruments, facilitating efficient implantation.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient element such as a helical spring is mounted in the shaft bore spaced towards the shaft second end from the open first end of the bore
Implementation Method 2
A resilient element such as a helical spring is mounted in the shaft bore spaced towards the shaft second end from the open first end of the bore
Data Source
AI summary
An impactor for connection to a concave surface of an implant has a shaft extending along a first axis from a first end to a second end. The shaft first end includes a pivot surface surrounding an internal shaft bore. The internal bore extends along the first axis and is open at the first end and extends towards the second end about the first axis. The internal bore has a pin extending through the shaft and intersecting the bore. A resilient element is mounted in the shaft bore spaced towards the shaft second end. A post is mounted in the shaft bore along the first axis. The post has a first end engaging a threaded bore in the concave surface of the implant. The post has a second end engaging the resilient element and a slot therein slidably engaging the pin and a collar pivotally mounted on the shaft.