Impact Absorbing Pad for Prosthetic Implant Surface Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic implants' load-bearing surfaces are often damaged during implantation due to repeated impactions from impactor tools, which are not biocompatible and can cause burnishing, indentation, or notching.
Innovation Solution
An impact-absorbing pad with a planar portion and an attachment portion is used to protect the load-bearing surface of the implant, designed to absorb and disperse impaction forces from the impactor tool, featuring tabs for secure attachment and easy detachment, and made from biocompatible materials like PEEK for durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an impactor tool is used to drive the implant into place, then the implant can be securely installed in the bone cavity, but the load bearing surface of the implant can be burnished, indented, notched, or otherwise damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cap is placed over the load bearing surface of the implant to serve as an intermediary between the impactor tool and the implant surface. The cap absorbs the impact forces during installation, preventing direct contact between the impactor and the load bearing surface, thus securing the implant while protecting its surface integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap is installed on the implant before the impactor tool is applied. This beforehand cushioning measures protects the load bearing surface by providing a cushioning layer that absorbs the impact forces before they can reach and damage the critical load bearing surface
2Strength
If the impactor tool is plated with hard chrome to improve durability and wear resistance, then the tool becomes more durable, but the load bearing surfaces of the implant are more likely to be damaged by repeated impactions
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap acts as an intermediary that prevents direct contact between the hard chrome-plated impactor tool and the implant's load bearing surface. This intermediary layer transmits the necessary installation forces while preventing the harmful effects of the hard surface contact that would cause burnishing, indentation, or notching
3Reliability
If the pad is designed with tabs for secure attachment, then the pad can be firmly attached to the implant, but the pad must be easily detachable after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a secured state during installation to a removable state after implantation. The tabs are designed to engage firmly with the implant body during the installation process to prevent movement, but can be easily disengaged by pulling or pressing after the implant is in place, providing dynamic attachment characteristics
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 impact-absorbing pad effectively transmits impaction forces to the implant without damaging the load-bearing surface, ensuring successful implantation while maintaining the integrity of the prosthetic surface, and can be easily removed post-implantation.
Implementation Method 1
The pad may be configured to absorb a portion of any impaction forces applied to the load bearing surface by the striking surface of an impactor tool
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an impact absorbing pad are disclosed herein. Each pad is configured to protect a load bearing surface of an implant from damage when the implant is implanted. Each pad may have an attachment portion that allows the pad to be attached to the load bearing surface. An impactor tool may also be attached to the load bearing surface and utilized the drive a portion of the implant into a bone cavity. The pad may be removed by hand, removed with the tool, or implanted with the implant. Related systems and methods for using and making the pad are also disclosed.