Motorized Bone Cement Mixer With Automatic Compression Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone cement mixing devices require manual mixing, which is inefficient, non-reproducible, and exposes staff to the components, while motorized devices have complex workflows that are difficult for unfamiliar users.
Innovation Solution
A motorized mixing device with a housing, chamber, piston, and mixing paddle that automates the mixing and compression of bone cement components, featuring intuitive switches and a self-sealing mechanism to ensure uniformity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual mixing is used, then staff can operate the device, but the mixing is inefficient, non-reproducible, and exposes staff to bone cement components
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs mixing and compression operations without requiring manual intervention. The mixing paddle rotates automatically when the plunger is pushed, and the system self-regulates the mixing process, eliminating staff exposure to harmful components while maintaining high mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical mixing actions are replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of a motor-driven mixing paddle and an automated plunger mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for staff to manually handle bone cement components while achieving consistent, reproducible mixing results
2Productivity
If motorized mixing devices are used, then mixing efficiency improves, but the workflow becomes overly complex for unfamiliar staff
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing and compression functions are merged into a single integrated operation. Pushing the plunger simultaneously drives both the mixing paddle rotation and the compression process, eliminating the need for separate control steps and simplifying the workflow while maintaining motorized mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger serves multiple functions: it drives the mixing paddle rotation, compresses the bone cement, and controls the timing of the entire process. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate controls needed, making the device easier to operate while maintaining high mixing efficiency
3Ease of operation
If staff mix bone cement with varying intensities and durations, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the bone cement uniformity and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where the plunger position and mixing paddle rotation are mechanically linked. The mixing process automatically terminates when the plunger reaches a predetermined position, ensuring consistent mixing duration and intensity without requiring staff judgment, thereby achieving both operational simplicity and precise uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with predetermined mixing parameters and compression forces. The mechanical linkage between the plunger and mixing paddle is designed to automatically provide the correct mixing intensity and duration, eliminating the need for staff to decide on mixing parameters while ensuring reproducible results
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 provides efficient, uniform, and reproducible mixing of bone cement, reducing staff exposure and simplifying the workflow, ensuring consistent mechanical properties of the cement.
Implementation Method 1
A piston is movable within the chamber to compress the bone cement components
Implementation Method 2
A mixing paddle is rotatable within the chamber to mix the bone cement components to make a bone cement mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixing device and methods for making bone cement. A piston of the mixing device is located in a first region of a chamber such that a mixing paddle rotates to mix bone cement components at a first pressure to make a bone cement mixture. The piston is moved passed an inlet opening to be located within a second region of the chamber to compress the bone cement mixture to a second pressure greater than the first pressure to compress the bone cement mixture and make the bone cement. The bone cement may be transferred to a delivery device. The mixing device may include features that automatically initiate the compression and transferring phases after completion of the mixing phase, and further include features that automatically terminate the operational cycle. A three-step intuitive workflow utilizing the mixing device to improve efficiency in the surgical suite is also disclosed.