Modular Bone Cement Kit for Mixing and Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for mixing and injecting bone cement in surgical procedures are complex, posing risks and hazards during use, and may not be readily available when needed.

Innovation Solution

A kit-type device comprising a main module and interchangeable functional modules for mixing, transferring, and injecting bone cement, where the mixing and transfer units are distinct and independent, allowing for seamless transition without user intervention, reducing the risk of malfunction or handling errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex apparatus design is used for mixing and injecting bone cement, then the device may have more complete functionality, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a mixing module with a first syringe for mixing cement components, a transfer module with a second syringe for transferring the mixed cement, and an injection module with a third syringe for injecting the cement. Each module can be independently connected or disconnected, allowing the device to maintain complete functionality while reducing overall complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex apparatus design is used for mixing and injecting bone cement, then the device may have more complete functionality, but the reliability decreases due to potential malfunctions and handling errors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing module automatically transfers the mixed bone cement to the transfer module without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the transfer process, reducing the risk of handling errors and improving reliability while maintaining complete functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If integrated mixing and transfer units are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the risk of user error increases during transition between phases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidrisk of user error

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer module acts as an intermediary between the mixing module and the injection module. It receives the mixed cement automatically, holds it temporarily, and prepares it for injection, thereby eliminating the need for users to manually transfer cement between modules and reducing the risk of user error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If manual transfer of bone cement between mixing and injection units is required, then the device can be simpler, but the productivity decreases due to additional user intervention steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables continuous operation by automatically transferring the mixed bone cement from the mixing module to the transfer module without interrupting the workflow. This eliminates idle time and additional manual steps, improving productivity while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 device simplifies the process of mixing and injecting bone cement, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring efficient use of the cement during surgical procedures, such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, by providing a straightforward and safe method for preparing and injecting the cement.

Implementation Method 1

enable a user to mix at least two compounds of the bone cement in the body of the main module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

enable the user to transfer bone cement from the body of the main module to the injection unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

enable the user to inject the bone cement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure injection: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10456183B2Device in the form of a kit for mixing and injecting a bone cement

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 TEKNIMED SAS

AI summary

A device in the form of a kit for mixing and injecting a bone cement is described, in which a mixing unit and a transfer unit are two units distinct from and independent of each other, with no element in common, and are designed to be connected alternately, that is to say successively, to the same end of a hollow cylindrical body or mixing body of a main module, before this main module is connected to an injection unit via its other end.