Modular Prosthesis Assembly Tool Torque Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular joint prostheses face challenges in securely locking components due to insufficient mechanical advantage, suboptimal ergonomics, and the risk of overtightening, with existing solutions being difficult to manufacture or expensive, and unsuitable for easy disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A device with a handle system that applies rotary motion to achieve axial displacement, providing a secure lock and unlock mechanism for tapered connections, featuring a threadable connection with adjustable pitch for mechanical advantage, ergonomic design for easy handling, and a torque limiter to prevent overtightening, allowing for simple assembly and disassembly of modular prosthesis components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing locking mechanisms are used for modular prosthesis components, then assembly is possible, but mechanical advantage is insufficient and risk of overtightening exists
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter provides feedback by mechanically preventing application of excessive torque. When the torque exceeds the predetermined safe level, the torque limiter disengages or slips, providing immediate feedback to the operator that the maximum safe torque has been reached, thereby preventing overtightening while ensuring sufficient locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the torque parameter by introducing a torque limiter that restricts the maximum torque to a predetermined safe value. This parameter modification ensures that the locking mechanism achieves sufficient mechanical advantage for secure assembly while automatically preventing exceeding of safe torque limits.
2Reliability
If modular components are designed for secure locking, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the locking mechanism. It mediates the torque application process by automatically limiting the torque to safe levels, thereby ensuring reliable component locking without requiring complex control systems or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter is designed to automatically regulate torque without external intervention. The assembly tool self-regulates the tightening process through the torque limiter's inherent mechanical properties (such as friction-based slip or disengagement mechanisms), eliminating the need for complex electronic controls or operator judgment.
3Ease of manufacture
If tapered connections are used for modular components, then assembly is simplified, but mechanical advantage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two approaches: the simplified tapered connection geometry with the torque-limited fastening mechanism. The tapered shape provides ease of assembly and alignment, while the torque limiter ensures sufficient mechanical advantage and secure locking, combining the benefits of both simple geometry and reliable force application.
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 ensures secure locking of prosthesis components with sufficient mechanical advantage, optimal ergonomics for easy handling, and safe disassembly, reducing the risk of overtightening while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a threadable connection with adjustable pitch for mechanical advantage
Implementation Method 2
The second member is adapted to provide relative motion of the second member with respect to the first member when the second member is rotated relative to the first member about the second member longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly tool (1) for assembly of a first component (2) of a prosthesis (4) to a second component (6) of the prosthesis (4) for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool (1) includes a first member (8) operably associated with the first component (2). The first member (8) defines a first member longitudinal axis (10) of the first member (8). The tool also includes a second member (12) operably associated with the second component (6). The second member (12) defines a second member longitudinal axis (14) of the second member (12). The second member (12) is adapted to provide relative motion of the second member (12) with respect to the first member (8) when the second member (12) is rotated relative to the first member (8) about the second member longitudinal axis (14).