Implant Extractor Jaw Mechanism for High-Torque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical extraction tools for implants lack efficiency and versatility in gripping and removing implants from bone due to limitations in jaw design and force application mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implant extractor features a unique arm configuration with a pivotable second arm and interchangeable jaws, along with a force applicator that provides a long moment arm for enhanced torque, allowing for secure clamping and efficient extraction of implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional extraction tool with fixed jaw design is used, then the structure is simple, but the clamping force and extraction efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into separate functional modules: a first arm for jaw support, a second arm for force application, and interchangeable jaw assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the second arm providing a long moment arm for high torque while jaws can be swapped for different implant types, thereby improving extraction efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a pivotable connection between the first and second arms, allowing dynamic adjustment of the tool's configuration during operation. This dynamic linkage enables the user to optimize the angle between arms for maximum mechanical advantage when applying extraction force, enhancing both clamping force and extraction efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable jaw configurations are implemented, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed as a universal interchangeable component that can be attached to the first arm through a standardized interface. Multiple jaw types can be used with the same tool body, allowing the extractor to handle different implant shapes and sizes. This multi-functionality approach improves versatility without requiring separate tools for each implant type, and the standardized interface keeps the added complexity manageable.
3Force
If a long moment arm is used for force application, then torque is enhanced, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arm configuration where the second arm (force application arm) is significantly longer than the first arm (jaw support arm). This asymmetric design maximizes the moment arm for torque generation during extraction while concentrating the increased length where it provides maximum benefit. The asymmetric structure achieves high extraction torque without requiring proportional increases in all tool dimensions, thereby managing overall tool size.
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 design enables high-clamping force and efficient extraction of implants, accommodating various surgical scenarios with interchangeable jaw configurations and improved torque application.
Implementation Method 1
a force applicator that is operatively connected to the first arm and the moment arm of the second arm to apply a force to one of the first and second arms
Implementation Method 2
The second arm further includes a distal arm segment having a longitudinal axis of about 80° to about 160° relative to a longitudinal axis of the moment arm
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant extractor (100) that includes an elongated body (102) having a proximal end (104) for attachment to an extraction device (101, 193), a first arm (107) extending from the elongated body, and a second arm (108) pivotably connected to the first arm. The second arm includes a moment arm (105) for generating a torque about a distal end (110) of the second arm. The implant extractor further includes a force applicator (126) operatively connected to the first arm and the moment arm to apply a force to one or more of the first and second arms.