Prosthesis Coupling Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical prosthesis systems face challenges in minimizing the size of implants and improving surgical efficiency during installation, particularly in minimizing the size of incisions and maximizing the efficiency of operations for joint replacements such as shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a coupling mechanism using a dovetail design with spaced apart rails and a biasing member, allowing for the alignment and secure locking of stem components, enabling minimally invasive procedures and efficient assembly and disassembly of prosthesis components, including a securing mechanism that interacts with a locking mechanism at an angle to facilitate easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional prosthesis implant system is used, then the implant provides structural support and joint replacement functionality, but the implant size and incision size become large, reducing surgical efficiency and increasing patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis system is divided into multiple modular components including a first component with engagement element, a second component with corresponding engagement features, and a locking mechanism. These segmented components can be coupled together to form the complete implant, allowing for smaller individual components that can be delivered through smaller incisions while maintaining the overall structural support capability through the assembled configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is configured to be received within a securing mechanism that is disposed on the outer surface of the first component. The biasing member is nested within the engagement element structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be contained within compact spaces, reducing the overall implant volume while preserving all necessary functions for structural support
2Ease of operation
If a complex implant assembly system is used, then the implant can be securely installed, but the surgical operation time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element and engagement features are pre-configured with rails that guide the coupling process. The biasing member is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the locking mechanism when components are brought together. This preliminary configuration of engagement features allows for rapid, intuitive assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The rails on the engagement element and engagement features act as intermediary guiding structures that facilitate the coupling process. These rails mediate the interaction between the first and second components, ensuring proper alignment and smooth engagement. The biasing member serves as an intermediary force element that automatically secures the components together once aligned, reducing the need for manual adjustment and minimizing surgical time
3Stability of the object's composition
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then the prosthesis components remain stable during use, but the implant size increases and minimally invasive procedures become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides dynamic stabilization by maintaining constant engagement force between the locking mechanism and the engagement features. This dynamic force ensures that the prosthesis components remain securely locked together during use, compensating for any minor movements or stresses without requiring an oversized static locking structure. The dynamic nature of the biasing member allows for compact design while maintaining stability
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
This approach allows for the efficient coupling and decoupling of prosthesis components, reducing the size of the implant needed and enhancing surgical efficiency by enabling minimally invasive procedures while maintaining stability and ease of component assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member may be disposed on the engagement element and may be configured to latch a second component to the first component
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods are disclosed for joining at least two components of a prosthesis. For example, a system may include a first component having a first a first body extending from a first face to a second face. An engagement element may be disposed on the first face of the first body and may be configured to engage a second component. A biasing member may be disposed on the engagement element and may be configured to latch a second component to the first component. A securing mechanism may be configured to receive a locking mechanism at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis. The locking mechanism may be adapted to interact with the biasing member.