Removable Jaw Orthopedic Inserter Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic implant inserters are large, cumbersome, and prone to damage due to repeated use, leading to costly replacements and ergonomic issues during orthopedic procedures.

Innovation Solution

An orthopedic implant inserter design featuring pivotally connected handles with removably mounted jaws and a retainer system that allows for secure attachment and easy replacement of jaws, reducing wear and tear and improving ergonomics through adjustable and durable construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire inserter is replaced periodically to prevent damage to the implant, then implant safety is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant safetyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter is divided into separate components: the handle assembly and the jaw assembly. The jaw, which contacts the implant and undergoes wear, is made as a separate replaceable component from the handle. This allows only the worn jaw to be replaced rather than the entire inserter, reducing cost while maintaining implant safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jaw is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be discarded after wear or damage, while the expensive handle assembly is recovered and reused. This selective replacement strategy reduces overall cost while ensuring implant safety through proper jaw replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If the inserter is designed to be durable for repeated use, then reliability is improved, but weight and ergonomic quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidinserter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the inserter into handle and jaw components, the design allows the handle to be optimized for ergonomics and light weight, while the jaw can be optimized for durability to withstand repeated impacting. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each component to have different material and design optimizations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the jaw is permanently fixed to the handle, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidjaw replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw attachment system transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic removable fixation. The retainer mechanism allows the jaw to be securely attached during use (maintaining structural integrity) but easily removed when wear occurs (enabling simple replacement). This dynamic attachment resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If the inserter is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidjaw configuration options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the jaw from the handle enables different jaw configurations to be created by simply changing the jaw component rather than redesigning the entire inserter. This maintains manufacturing simplicity for each individual component while greatly increasing overall system versatility through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different jaw configurations. This allows a single handle design to serve multiple functions with different jaw types, increasing adaptability without complicating the core handle manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances the durability and usability of orthopedic implant inserters by allowing for the replacement of worn parts and improving ergonomic handling, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing damage during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

Each retainer engages and biases the associated implant-engaging jaw to a selected pivotal position when in the retaining configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical retention: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

Each retainer engages and biases the associated implant-engaging jaw to a selected pivotal position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic biasing: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9408720B2Orthopedic implant inserter with removable jaws

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 ZIMMER INC

AI summary

An orthopedic implant inserter is provided with removable jaws. The jaws are connected to handles of the inserter by retainers. Each retainer includes a shaft and a latch. The shaft is configured to be received within mounting bores of a jaw and the associated handle. The latch is connected to the shaft and movable between a release configuration and a retaining configuration. In the release configuration, the shaft is removable from the mounting bores and the jaw is thereby removable from the associated handle. In the retaining configuration, the shaft is secured within the mounting bores and the jaw is thereby secured to the associated handle.