Interphalangeal Implant Retainer for Contact-Free Precise Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interphalangeal implants require complex surgical procedures that involve direct handling and potential contamination of medical personnel, and involve multiple parts, complicating the implantation process and prolonging patient mobilization.

Innovation Solution

An implant retainer and implantation tool with a limb support, driving rod, and actuation mechanism that allows for precise, contact-free handling and insertion of interphalangeal implants, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the implantation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional implantation tool is used for interphalangeal implants, then the tool can be stored in a small space, but the tool cannot accommodate large implants and requires multiple tools for different implant sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different implant sizesVSAvoidstorage space of implantation tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The implantation tool is divided into a handle portion and a separate driver portion that can be detached and stored within the handle. This segmentation allows the tool to accommodate different implant sizes by selecting appropriate drivers while maintaining compact storage when drivers are nested in the handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver portion is designed to be nestable within the handle portion when not in use. This nesting capability allows the tool to maintain a compact storage profile while being able to accommodate various implant sizes by attaching different drivers as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the implantation tool has a fixed structure, then the tool is simple to manufacture, but the tool cannot be adjusted for different implant positions and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability for different implant positionsVSAvoidstructure of implantation tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver portion incorporates rotational and articulation capabilities that allow it to be dynamically adjusted to different positions and orientations. This dynamic structure enables precise placement of implants at various angles and locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool design through modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the driver is directly connected to the handle, then the tool structure is simple, but the driver cannot be easily replaced for different implant sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of tool structureVSAvoidreplaceability of driver
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is segmented into a handle portion and a separate driver portion with distinct functions. The driver portion can be detached from the handle and replaced with different drivers suited for various implant sizes, combining structural simplicity with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver portion is designed as a replaceable component that can be discarded after use and recovered for storage within the handle or replaced with another driver. This approach simplifies the overall structure while enabling easy replacement for different implant requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4292571B1Retainer for an interphalangeal implant
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4292571B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4292571B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4292571B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An interphalangeal implant retainer (20) for retaining an interphalangeal implant (10) is to be used with an implantation tool (30), the implantation tool (30) comprising: a limb support (31) for supporting a phalangeal limb, a driving rod (35), and an actuation mechanism (50) for actuating the driving rod, wherein the driving rod is movable for moving the interphalangeal implant towards the limb support. The implant retainer comprises a jig part (21), which has a plate-shape and includes an implant aperture (22) for retaining an interphalangeal implant.