Hip Cup Insert Impactor with Aligned Rod and Spring Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impacting devices fail to provide precise and reliable insertion of a rod into a reception element, often resulting in incomplete or damaged insertions, particularly when inserting ceramic elements into a hip cotyloidal cavity, due to energy loss and misalignment at the interface.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device that allows for precise orientation and application of a strong, consistent force to the rod, using a pistol-type grip and elastic holding feet to ensure correct alignment and power transfer, along with a plunger and spring mechanism for controlled shock delivery, enabling reliable and reproducible insertion without damaging the insert or cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional impacter is used to insert the insert element, then the insertion process can be performed, but the insert may not be properly inserted or may be damaged (cracked or broken) due to imprecise impact and energy loss at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is pre-positioned slightly into the cavity of the head before impact is applied. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and reduces misalignment during impact, thereby improving insertion reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
A rod acts as an intermediary element between the impacter head and the insert element. The rod transmits the impact force with improved alignment and reduced energy loss at the interface, ensuring reliable insertion without damaging the insert
2Manufacturing precision
If high impact force is applied to ensure proper insertion, then the insert may be properly inserted, but the insert or cup may be damaged (cracked or broken)
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-positioned in the cup before final impact. This preliminary positioning ensures that the insert is correctly oriented and seated, allowing for precise final insertion with controlled force that avoids damage while achieving proper insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The rod and head assembly provide a controlled impact mechanism that distributes force evenly. The preliminary positioning and aligned impact path cushion the insertion process, preventing sudden shocks that could crack or break the ceramic insert or cup
3Power
If the surgeon applies manual force to the impacter, then the impaction can be performed, but energy is lost at the interface between the impacter and rod due to misalignment and improper force application
Solution Approach 1:
The hand grip, rod, and impacter head are merged into a unified alignment system. The longitudinal axis of the rod coincides with the axis of the cavity, ensuring that manual force applied by the surgeon is transmitted efficiently without misalignment losses at the interface
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves as a precise intermediary that transmits force from the impacter head to the insert. The rod's alignment with the cavity axis ensures efficient force transmission with minimal energy loss at the impacter-rod interface
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 solution ensures precise and reliable insertion of the rod into the cup, reducing the risk of damage or misalignment, allowing for consistent force application regardless of the rod's orientation relative to the cup, thereby ensuring correct and repeatable insertion without cracking or breaking the insert or cup.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (34) arranged at the rear of the plunger (33)
Implementation Method 2
Impacting device for an insert element... imparting a shock to the rod (6), said rod being destined to transmit said shock to an insert element
Data Source
AI summary
Device for inserting an insert (1), made in particular of ceramic material, into a cup designed to be received in the cotyl of a hip, characterised in that it comprises: means (17, 20, 21, 22) for gripping the insert, in particular an upper free edge of the insert; a rod (5,6) designed to impinge on the insert when it is held by the gripping means opposite the hollow part of the cup; and means (32, 33, 34) for imparting a downwards shock to the rod to push the insert into the cup, i.e. introduce it by force to the inside of the cup, said shock imparting means imparting a shock to the rod with a predetermined force.