Locking Graft Filter Assembly for Secure Bone Graft Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RIA systems for reaming and removing material from medullary canals of bones face challenges in efficiently collecting bone graft material while preventing inadvertent disassembly of components during the process.

Innovation Solution

A graft filter assembly comprising a canister, filter element, and extractor that interlock to prevent disassembly, allowing for the collection of bone graft material via aspiration, with the filter element and extractor being releasably engaged to facilitate easy removal of collected material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the filter element and extractor are permanently fixed to the canister, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the components cannot be disassembled for material removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking feature transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic state that can be locked and unlocked. The rotatable extractor engages or disengages from the locking feature depending on its rotational position, allowing the system to switch between stable (locked) and operable (unlocked) states as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separable components (canister, filter element, extractor) that can be independently manipulated. The extractor can be rotated to disengage from the locking feature, allowing it to be removed from the canister while the filter element remains secured, enabling selective disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the extractor is permanently fixed within the filter element, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the extractor cannot be removed for graft material retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of component positioningVSAvoidease of extractor removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between extractor and filter element is dynamic rather than permanent. The extractor can rotate to engage or disengage from the locking feature on the filter element, providing reliable positioning during operation while allowing easy removal when needed for graft material retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple locking features are added to prevent disassembly, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of inadvertent disassemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is self-servicing through the rotational motion of the extractor itself. The extractor's rotation serves dual purposes: positioning the filtering assembly within the canister and simultaneously engaging or disengaging the locking feature, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or additional complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures efficient collection and easy retrieval of bone graft material by preventing inadvertent disassembly and allowing selective disengagement of components, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of the graft filter assembly.

Implementation Method 1

Aspiration removes the emulsified bone material from the medullary canal via a negative pressure applied through the RIA system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum aspiration: Suction

Implementation Method 2

A graft filter assembly collects the bone material and removes fluid from the emulsified bone material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4129212B1Graft filter with locking graft filter element and graft extractor
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC
  • EP4129212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4129212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for collecting a bone graft material comprises a canister extending defining a filter-receiving space therein, the canister including a connection for connecting to a vacuum source, a proximal end of the canister including a first locking feature and a filter element sized and shaped to be received within the filter-receiving space of the canister, the filter element including a channel extending therethrough, the channel defined via a mesh material and a proximal end of the filter element including a second locking feature releasably engageable with the first locking feature of the canister via a rotation of the filter element about a longitudinal axis thereof relative to the canister in combination with an extractor sized and shaped to be received within the channel of the filter element, the extractor defining a graft material receiving space therein and being releasably engageable with the extractor.