Prosthetic Cup Gripping Device with Elastic Mechanical Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gripping devices for acetabular prosthetic cups face challenges such as limited grip quality, ineffective force transmission, difficulty in manipulation, risk of cup separation during implantation, high costs due to biocompatibility requirements, and the need for multiple trial inserts for intraoperative testing, leading to increased handling time and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with a mechanical interface featuring a convex exterior surface and a concave interior volume, composed of radiating slats that provide elasticity and match the prosthetic cup's surface, allowing for secure gripping and release, and serving as a test insert to simplify intraoperative testing without additional instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripping device with teeth engaging snap-on rims is used, then the cup can be transported and positioned, but the grip quality is limited and force transmission is ineffective during installation stresses
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical interface element is introduced as an intermediary between the cup and the gripping module. This interface element features a convex outer surface matching the cup's interior surface and a concave interior volume for gripping module engagement, thereby improving grip quality and force transmission without requiring direct complex tooth-rim engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping system is divided into separate functional components: the cup, the mechanical interface element, and the gripping module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the interface element providing both structural support and gripping engagement surfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trial inserts are used for intraoperative testing, then comprehensive testing of cup sizes and head positions is possible, but handling time increases and assembly errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the gripping interface for cup manipulation and as a trial insert for intraoperative testing of different cup sizes and head positions. This eliminates the need for separate trial inserts, reducing handling time while maintaining comprehensive testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping interface and trial insert functions are merged into a single mechanical interface element. This consolidation allows the same component to facilitate both cup manipulation during implantation and intraoperative testing, thereby reducing the number of separate instruments needed and minimizing handling time
3Reliability
If a sterile interface is mounted in the laboratory on the cup, then quick connection to gripping device is possible without contamination, but machining costs are very high
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface element is designed with modified parameters compared to traditional sterile interfaces: it uses a convex outer surface and concave interior volume geometry that allows for lower-cost manufacturing methods while maintaining sterility assurance through controlled assembly protocols
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 reliable, rapid, and simple connection and manipulation of prosthetic cups, enhances grip quality, reduces handling time, and eliminates the need for multiple trial inserts, thereby reducing costs and assembly errors, while allowing direct in-situ testing and easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical interface consisting of a plurality of blades which, radiating around the same central part, adopt a profile with an internal surface and an external surface... made of a material such that its elasticity allows it to be retained in the prosthetic element
Implementation Method 2
one end of which is articulated to the lever blade so that the action on the lever blade causes a translational movement leading to the expansion of the peripheral retaining surfaces or their retraction to the rest position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping device (D) for a prosthetic element (100) such as a cup, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical interface (300) which is interposed between the prosthetic element (100) and the gripping module (220) of a gripping tool and which fixes to the prosthetic element (100), said mechanical interface (300) being preformed and produced in such a way that the rest position of the gripping module (220) allows the latter to be inserted into the concave inner volume (320) of the interface and to exit the latter, and in such a way that the retaining position allows the gripping module (220) to grip the interface (300) and to retain the prosthetic element (100). The invention also relates to a use method that is characterized in that it consists in using said mechanical interface (300) as a trial insert.