Modular Acetabular Inserter with Detachable Drive Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical inserters for orthopedic prostheses are difficult to clean and sterilize, pose risks of disease transmission, and complicate the angular orientation and positioning of implants, leading to tissue trauma and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A modular and easily disassemblable acetabular inserter with a drive train and handle, featuring a one-way locking mechanism and minimal internal corners and crevices, allowing for precise orientation and secure locking of the implant before installation, facilitating cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the inserter uses a complex mechanical structure to enable precise implant orientation and locking, then the implant positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases making it difficult to clean and sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter is divided into modular components including a handle assembly, drive train, and implant engagement interface that can be separated for cleaning and sterilization. The drive train can be detached from the handle, and the implant engagement interface can be removed, allowing each component to be independently cleaned without complex disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter incorporates adjustable and movable components such as the drive train that can rotate and position the implant at various angles. The device allows dynamic adjustment of implant orientation during insertion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that doesn't compromise cleanability
2Ease of operation
If the inserter uses a modular design for easy disassembly and cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases with more parts that could be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter design combines multiple functions into integrated components where possible. The drive train integrates both the rotational drive mechanism and the implant engagement features, reducing the number of separate parts. Connection interfaces are designed to be tool-free yet secure, merging the functions of attachment and detachment into simple bayonet-style connections
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into a limited number of major assemblies (handle, drive train, engagement interface) rather than numerous small components. This segmentation allows easy disassembly for cleaning while minimizing the total number of parts that could potentially be lost
3Ease of manufacture
If the inserter uses smooth surfaces and minimal crevices for easy cleaning, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device functionality is reduced in terms of mechanical gripping and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping and locking features are extracted as separate, removable components rather than being integrated into the main body surfaces. The implant engagement interface contains the mechanical gripping elements and can be detached for cleaning, allowing the main inserter body to maintain smooth, easily cleanable surfaces while still providing effective mechanical engagement when the interface is attached
Data Source
AI summary
An acetabular impactor aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis having a central, female aperture. The impactor includes an impactor head, housing and a locking mechanism. The housing is attached to the impactor head, the housing enclosing a drive train having, at a far end, a prosthesis engaging thread, and at the opposite end, a handle which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end of the drive train has a latch device which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.