Prosthesis Assembly Tool Threaded Rod and Washer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular joint prostheses face challenges in securing components due to insufficient mechanical advantage and suboptimal ergonomics, requiring a more effective assembly tool to ensure precise locking and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
An assembly tool with a washer system and drive mechanism that allows for secure assembly of modular prosthesis components, featuring a tensile rod that breaks at a predetermined load to indicate proper force application, and a threaded cap system with a harder metal rod for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional modular prosthesis components are used, then component flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the locking reliability and mechanical advantage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated assembly tool with a threaded shaft and washer system is introduced as an intermediary device to achieve reliable locking. The tool engages with the prosthesis components through a threaded connection, providing the necessary mechanical advantage and controlled force application that direct component-to-component locking cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional direct mechanical locking between prosthesis components is replaced with a tool-based locking system. The assembly tool uses a threaded mechanism and washer expansion system to create a controlled, reliable locking action that is more dependable than direct component engagement.
2Reliability
If assembly tools with sufficient mechanical advantage are designed, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity and ergonomics become suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a threaded shaft for engagement, a washer system for force distribution and expansion, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer system is designed to self-expand when compressed by the threaded shaft, automatically creating the locking force without requiring additional complex mechanisms. The tool leverages the user's manual input through simple rotational motion to achieve the locking action through the expansion of the washer system.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise force control is implemented, then locking precision is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tool incorporates a tactile feedback mechanism through the washer expansion and threaded engagement. The surgeon can feel the progression of the locking action through the tool's movement and resistance changes, providing real-time feedback on the locking process without requiring complex measurement or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool utilizes the parameter change of the washer system expanding radially when compressed axially by the threaded shaft. This mechanical parameter transformation converts simple linear compression into controlled radial locking force, achieving precise locking through a straightforward mechanical relationship rather than complex control mechanisms.
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 assembly tool provides a secure and reproducible locking mechanism, reducing the complexity of inventory management and improving the precision of component alignment during joint arthroplasty procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A washer system is coupled to the second member. A drive mechanism is coupled to the washer system, such that as the drive mechanism is activated, the washer system rotates about the second member longitudinal axis and expands along the second member longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The second member includes a tensile rod adapted to break at a predetermined force
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a first member operably associated with the first component and a second member operably associated with the second component. The second member includes a cap having a threaded recess and further includes a threaded rod adapted to engage the threaded recess so as to move the second member relative to the first member and the threaded rod is made of a harder metal than the threaded recess.