Prosthesis Holder Quick-Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic inserter handles face challenges in quickly and easily disengaging prosthetic components from the surgical site without applying rotational torque, which can dislodge the components, and they lack versatility to accommodate various prosthetic configurations.

Innovation Solution

A mount adaptor/holder that attaches to the inserter handle via a threaded interface, utilizing the handle's tensioning mechanism for quick engagement and disengagement of prosthetic components, allowing detachment without operating the drive assembly and enabling rotation and accommodation of different prosthetic configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a threaded interface is used to securely engage the prosthetic component to the inserter handle, then the component is held securely during implantation, but the disengagement process becomes time-consuming and complex requiring substantial manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure engagement of prosthetic componentVSAvoidtime required for disengagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into two independent functions: a threaded interface for secure engagement during implantation, and a separate quick-release mechanism for rapid disengagement. This allows the secure engagement function to be maintained while eliminating the time-consuming aspect of disengagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic system that can rapidly switch between engaged and disengaged states. The quick-release mechanism allows the user to quickly transition from the secure threaded engagement to complete disengagement without reversing the threading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the inserter handle is used to impact the prosthetic component into position, then the component is securely installed, but the handle's mass and length make it difficult to hold in the correct position during disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper seating of prosthetic componentVSAvoidhandling during disengagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The disengagement function is separated from the impactor handle itself and transferred to the prosthetic component's quick-release mechanism. This allows the heavy handle to remain stationary while the lightweight component is easily removed, eliminating the difficulty of holding the handle in position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of holding the heavy handle in position and manually unscrewing the component, the system is inverted: the component is designed with an independent quick-release mechanism that allows it to be easily removed while the handle remains stationary, reversing who performs the active disengagement action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a threaded interface is used to attach the prosthetic component, then secure engagement is achieved, but the interface lacks versatility to accommodate various prosthetic component configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidaccommodation of different prosthetic configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interface system is designed with universal compatibility: the threaded interface provides secure engagement for all prosthetic components, while the quick-release mechanism and adaptable holder design allow the same interface to accommodate various prosthetic component configurations and sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface transitions from a fixed, single-purpose threaded connection to a dynamic, adaptable system that can accommodate different prosthetic configurations while maintaining secure engagement through the threaded interface and enabling quick release through the independent release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables rapid and secure disengagement of prosthetic components without applying rotational torque, facilitating quick removal of the inserter handle from the surgical site and accommodating various prosthetic configurations, thereby improving surgical efficiency and reducing the risk of component dislodgment.

Implementation Method 1

the mount end is adapted to releasably mate with a prosthesis component via a threaded interface. The action for achieving the threaded interface between the mount and the component of the prosthetic assembly is accomplished using a screw knob disposed at the impactor end of the inserted handle.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded interface: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS8236003B2Prosthesis component holder attachable to an inserter handle
Publication Date: 2012.08.07 VIANT AS&O HLDG LLC
  • US8236003B2 patent drawing
  • US8236003B2 patent drawing
  • US8236003B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adaptor/holder (40) is described which attaches to the front (18) of an existing orthopedic inserter/impactor handle (10) via the handle's existing threaded interface mechanism (22). The adaptor/holder (40) has an annular housing (42) that snaps onto the front (18) of the existing inserter (10), and has an internal yoke and pin assembly (70) that attached to the handle's interface mechanism (22). The holder (40) adapts the inserter (10) to much more easily and quickly release from a prosthetic component (12) after the component (12) is surgically implanted in a patient, and with less mechanical manipulation than could otherwise be accomplished using the inserter (10) alone. The adaptor/holder utilizes the inserter's existing mount tensioning (draw piston) mechanism (30) to quickly engage and disengage the prosthetic component (12). Upon activation of the inserter's tensioning mechanism (30), the holder (10) receives and fixes a prosthetic component (12) to the end (18) of the inserter (10). Deactivation of the inserter handle's tensioning mechanism (30) quickly accomplishes release of the prosthetic component (12) with minimal manipulation.