Keel Punch Adapter With Radial Locking Pin And L-Shaped Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keel punch systems for surgical procedures in total knee arthroplasty lack a straightforward method for disengaging the insertion handle from the keel punch after insertion into the tibia, complicating the surgical process and making it difficult to remove the guide post from the tibia.
Innovation Solution
The keel punch system includes a keel punch, an adapter, and a guide tower with radial locking pins and L-shaped slots that allow for secure engagement and disengagement of the adapter and guide tower, enabling a single motion to disengage the adapter from the keel punch and simultaneously lock the guide tower, facilitating easy removal of the guide post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional keel punch system is used without an adapter mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but the disengagement process becomes complex and difficult after insertion into the tibia
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes rotational motion as a parameter change to transform the engagement state. Rotating the adapter body in a first direction engages the locking pins with the guide tower slots, while rotating in a second direction disengages them. This parameter change (rotation direction) provides a simple operational interface for complex locking/unlocking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the keel punch and the guide tower. It mediates the engagement and disengagement processes by using its locking pins to interact with the guide tower's L-shaped slots, thereby simplifying the overall operation of the surgical instrument system.
2Reliability
If the adapter is designed with locking pins and L-shaped slots for secure engagement, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped slots in the guide tower provide asymmetric engagement paths for the locking pins. The slots allow the pins to engage securely in one orientation while permitting easy disengagement in the opposite rotational direction. This asymmetric geometry ensures reliable connection during insertion while maintaining operational simplicity for removal.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter uses rotational locking mechanism, then the ease of operation for disengagement is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: the adapter body, the locking pins, and the connector. The guide tower is segmented with separate L-shaped slots positioned to engage these pins. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic surgical instrument includes a keel punch, an adapter, and a guide tower. The adapter includes an elongate body and a radial locking pin. The guide tower includes a sidewall that defines a passageway configured to receive the keel punch and the adapter. The guide tower also includes one or more L-shaped slots in the sidewall. The adapter and the keel punch lock with each other when the adapter is rotated in a first direction and unlock when the adapter is rotated in a second direction. The locking pin and the L-shaped slot lock with each other when the adapter is rotated in the second direction and unlock when the adapter is rotated in the first direction. Hence, when the adapter is rotated in the second direction for disengaging from the keel punch the locking pin simultaneously engages the L-shaped slot and locks the guide tower to the adapter.