Implant Extractor Blade and Strike Plate for Bone-Sparing Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing and replacing artificial implants in joints, such as those used in joint arthroplasty, are inadequate for efficient extraction without causing damage to surrounding bone structures or requiring invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

An implant extractor with a laterally extending tapered blade and a prism-shaped strike plate, coupled with a shaft and handle, designed to be used to pry implants off bone by focusing impact force through a rounded tip and beveled surface, allowing for controlled removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods are used to remove implants, then the implant can be removed, but surrounding bone structures are damaged and invasive procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe extraction without bone damageVSAvoiddamage to surrounding bone structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extractor head is divided into distinct functional segments: a blade portion for insertion between implant and bone, an intermediate portion for force transmission, and a strike plate for impact application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while protecting the bone structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blade acts as an intermediary tool inserted between the implant and bone surface. It transmits impact forces from the strike plate to pry the implant away from the bone without direct contact between the hammer/mallet and the bone, thereby preventing bone damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If force is applied directly to the implant, then removal can be achieved, but extensive surgical intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficient extractionVSAvoidextensive surgical intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is pre-positioned between the implant and bone surface before impact is applied. This preliminary positioning ensures that subsequent impact forces are directed efficiently to pry the implant away, eliminating the need for extensive surgical exposure or complex procedural steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex surgical procedure is replaced by a simple mechanical leverage system: the blade provides leverage point, the shaft transmits force, and the strike plate delivers controlled impacts. This mechanical substitution transforms a complex surgical intervention into a straightforward mechanical extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 safe and effective extraction of implants from bone surfaces, minimizing damage and facilitating replacement or removal without the need for extensive surgical intervention.

Implementation Method 1

focusing impact force through a rounded tip and beveled surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

designed to be used to pry implants off bone by focusing impact force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20230338075A1Implant extractor

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 SHUKLA MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A implant extractor for removing an implant is provided. The implant extractor includes an extractor head having a laterally extending blade, an intermediate portion adjacent to the blade, and a laterally extending strike plate adjacent to the intermediate portion, the blade including a proximal side for mating with the implant; a shaft having proximal and distal ends, the distal end of the shaft being coupled to the extractor head; and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft.