Orthopaedic Assembly Tool Telescopic Actuator Taper Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assembly tools for orthopaedic prosthetic components lack an efficient mechanism to securely attach femoral and tibial components during joint replacement surgeries, particularly in achieving a stable interference fit using a taper lock mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The development of an assembly tool with a mechanical actuator and telescopic rods that apply a compressive load to secure the femoral and tibial components via a taper lock mechanism, utilizing a handle-operated mechanism to engage and disengage the locking system, ensuring precise alignment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical actuator with telescopic rods is used to apply compressive load, then the reliability of component attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuator is divided into telescopic rods that can extend and retract independently, allowing the compressive load to be applied in a controlled manner. This segmentation enables the complex function of reliable attachment to be achieved through simpler, modular components that can be manufactured and assembled more easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic rods provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the compressive load to be applied progressively as the rods extend. This dynamic mechanism transforms the static complex structure into a controllable process, where the attachment reliability is achieved through controlled movement rather than fixed complex geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If a taper lock mechanism is used to secure components, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuator serves as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual operation and the taper lock mechanism. By converting rotational motion of the actuator into linear compressive force through the telescopic rods, the system achieves precise component alignment without requiring the surgeon to directly manipulate the complex taper lock geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex manual manipulation required for traditional taper lock mechanisms is replaced by a simplified actuator system. The actuator uses basic mechanical principles (rotation to linear motion conversion) to achieve the same alignment function, making the operation easier while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Strength
If a locking mechanism with multiple teeth engagement is used, then the strength of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism with multiple teeth is nested within the telescopic rod structure, where the teeth engage in a compact arrangement. This nesting allows the high-strength attachment feature to be integrated into the existing mechanical actuator without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly tool for use in assembling orthopaedic prosthetic components includes a frame including a pair of telescopic rods, and a base plate secured to the telescopic rods. The base plate includes a mounting bracket configured to engage a first orthopaedic prosthetic component. A mechanical actuator includes (I) a housing secured to the frame, (ii) a ram plate configured to engage a second orthopaedic prosthetic component, and (iii) a drive mechanism coupled to the ram plate. The drive mechanism includes a connecting rod coupled to the ram plate, a handle rotatably coupled to the housing, and a clutch pin that is moveable between (I) an engaged position in which the handle is coupled to the connecting rod such that rotation of the handle causes the ram plate to move toward the base plate and (ii) a disengaged position in which the handle is decoupled from the connecting rod such that the ram plate remains stationary when the handle is rotated. The handle engages an end of the clutch pin to move the clutch pin from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the handle is rotated from a first position to a second position.