Shape Memory Implant Insertion Device Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implant insertion devices for shape memory implants are cumbersome, prone to accidental detachment, and lack controlled release mechanisms, leading to inefficient surgical procedures and potential fixation issues.
Innovation Solution
An implant insertion device with movable jaws and a spacer that securely loads and maintains shape memory implants in their second shape until controlled release, allowing for precise delivery and tension application during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forceps are used to load shape memory implants during surgery, then the implant can be secured, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-loaded onto the insertion device before surgery in a controlled environment. This preliminary loading action eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative manipulation with forceps, while the pre-engineered engagement features ensure reliable implant security during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized insertion device acts as an intermediary between the implant and the surgical site. This device includes a body with a passage that receives the implant and jaws that engage the implant's legs, providing secure holding without requiring direct forceps manipulation during surgery.
2Ease of manufacture
If an implant insertion device conforming to the implant profile is used, then preloading is enabled, but removal becomes problematic due to frictional engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the passage provides frictional engagement for secure holding, while the jaws provide controlled engagement points for easy release. This segmentation allows the device to maintain the implant securely during insertion while enabling straightforward removal by actuating the jaws.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaws are designed to be movable relative to the body, transitioning between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic feature allows the device to adapt its grip: maintaining secure frictional engagement through the passage while enabling easy removal by actuating the jaws to release the implant's legs.
3Reliability
If the implant is held tightly in the insertion device, then secure transport is achieved, but sudden energy release occurs upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a controlled release mechanism that provides feedback during implant removal. As the jaws actuate to disengage the implant, the system monitors and controls the release rate, allowing the stored elastic energy to be dissipated gradually rather than suddenly, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining secure transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The release process is structured as a periodic, controlled action rather than a single sudden event. The jaws can be actuated in stages, allowing the implant to release energy in controlled increments as it is gradually removed from the device, preventing sudden energy release while maintaining secure transport during the procedure.
4Ease of manufacture
If a two-stage loading process is used, then the implant can be transported and shipped, but accidental detachment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the transport and insertion functions into a single integrated unit. The implant is loaded once onto the insertion device, which then serves as both the transport container and the surgical insertion tool. This merging eliminates the transfer step between separate constraining and insertion devices, thereby reducing accidental detachment risk while maintaining transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a secure transport mechanism and a surgical insertion tool. The body with its passage and the jaws with engagement features can securely hold the implant during shipping and then facilitate precise insertion during surgery, eliminating the need for transfer between devices and reducing detachment risk.
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
Enhances surgical efficiency by preventing accidental detachment and allowing controlled release of stored energy, improving tissue or bone fixation and simplifying the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
The shape memory material gives the implants elastic properties in that they store mechanical energy and are subject to elastic (recoverable) deformation when they release the stored mechanical energy.
Implementation Method 2
Shape memory implants can be composed of shape memory material such as Nitinol that allows the shape memory implants to have a first final shape and the ability to transform into a second shape.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant insertion system includes a shape memory implant movable between a first shape a second shape and an implant insertion device movable between an implant disengagement position and an implant engagement position. The implant insertion device receives the shape memory implant in its first shape while in its implant disengagement position. Movement of the implant insertion device from its implant disengagement position to its implant engagement position manipulates the shape memory implant from its first shape to its second shape. The implant insertion device maintains the shape memory implant in its second shape until delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.