Sickle-Shaped Patella Clamp With Pivoting Lever Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patella clamping devices for total knee replacement surgeries lack reliability and comfort in clamping the patella, particularly in allowing precise positioning and minimizing involuntary movement during resection.
Innovation Solution
A patella clamping device with a sickle-shaped main body featuring a first clamping section that can be positioned in various angles within a plane defined by the medio-lateral and proximal-distal axes of the patella, and a second clamping section that moves into a clamping position via a pivoting mechanism actuated by a lever, ensuring a reliable and comfortable clamping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pincer-like structure with two mutually movable handle parts is used to clamp the patella, then the patella can be held during cutting, but the device becomes difficult to handle and position precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a stable sickle-shaped main body that provides the first clamping section, and a separate movable second clamping section that can be independently positioned and activated. This segmentation allows the main body to remain stable and easy to handle while the second clamping section can be precisely positioned when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first clamping section is pre-positioned on the patella surface before the second clamping section is activated. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and stability before the final clamping action, making the overall operation more precise and comfortable.
2Reliability
If both clamping sections are engaged simultaneously, then the patella is securely held, but the surgeon cannot precisely position each section independently
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static two-handle structure to a dynamic system where the second clamping section can be moved independently after the main body is positioned. This dynamic approach allows sequential engagement - first the stable main body, then the movable second section - enabling precise positioning while maintaining clamping security.
3Ease of operation
If the second clamping section extends along a straight axis, then it takes up little space and does not interfere with positioning, but it cannot provide adequate clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The second clamping section is designed to move from a retracted position along the straight axis of the main body to a clamping position that engages the posterior surface of the patella. This dimensional transition allows the section to remain compact during positioning while providing adequate clamping force when engaged, applying pressure in the appropriate direction without lateral forces.
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 allows for reliable and comfortable clamping of the patella, enabling precise positioning and minimizing involuntary movement during resection, thus enhancing the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating mechanism comprises a lever to be activated by a finger of the surgeon to cause a subsequent movement of the second clamping section relative to the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A patella clamping device includes a first clamping section, a second clamping section, and a sickle-shaped main body. The main body has a distal end that constitutes the first clamping section and a proximal end that includes a gripping section to be gripped by the palm of a surgeon. The main body further includes a pivot bearing defining a pivot axis of the second clamping section. The second clamping section is pivotably movable with respect to the main body by an actuating mechanism that features a lever to be activated by a finger of the surgeon such that clamping of a patella involves an initial engagement of the first clamping section with the patella and a subsequent movement of the second clamping section relative to the main body until the second clamping section engages with the patella.