Suction Cup Implant Manipulation Tool for Acetabular Cup Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monobloc acetabular cups pose challenges in attachment and manipulation due to limited space for attachment features, and existing tools risk damaging the highly polished bearing surface during assembly and release, while also being difficult to access and remove once in position.
Innovation Solution
An instrument featuring a handle with a drive mechanism, a suction cup, and an impaction plate, where the suction cup forms a vacuum with the implant and the drive mechanism allows controlled engagement and release, enabling secure gripping and impaction without direct contact to the bearing surface, and facilitating one-handed operation outside the patient incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If attachment features are added to monobloc acetabular cups for tool engagement, then the implant can be gripped and manipulated, but the bearing surface integrity is compromised due to surface discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary attachment mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the tool and the bearing surface. This mechanism provides engagement features for tool manipulation while maintaining a smooth interface with the bearing surface, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and bearing surface integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outer region with engagement features for tool interaction, and an inner region that maintains smooth contact with the bearing surface. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other
2Ease of operation
If direct contact tools are used to manipulate the implant during insertion, then the implant can be positioned, but the risk of accidental contact and damage to the bearing surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism serves as a protective intermediary that allows tool manipulation while preventing direct contact between the tool and the bearing surface, thereby eliminating the risk of accidental damage during positioning operations
3Ease of operation
If the implant is accessed directly through the wound incision for release from the tool, then the implant can be released, but the risk of contamination and additional damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-releasing through a cord or wire that can be pulled from outside the incision site. This allows the implant to be released from the tool without requiring direct access through the wound, thereby preventing contamination and additional damage risks
4Ease of operation
If temporary attachment mechanisms are added to monobloc cups, then the implant can be manipulated, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed with local quality by concentrating all attachment features in a specific region (the outer surface of the cup) while leaving the bearing surface completely smooth and uninterrupted. This localized approach minimizes overall device complexity while achieving the required manipulation capability
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 instrument allows for secure, damage-free engagement and release of acetabular cups, ensuring the bearing surface remains undamaged and simplifies the handling process by allowing remote operation, reducing the risk of contamination and improving ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup (22) formed from a resilient material and operable to engage a surface of the implant (200) and form a vacuum therewith
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An instrument (2) for manipulating an implant is disclosed, the instrument (2) comprising an attachment element (22), which is operable to engage an implant, an actuation rod (20), a distal end (34) of which is connected to the attachment element (22), and a handle (4) having a gripping surface (6). At least a proximal end (32) of the actuation rod (20) is moveably received within the handle (4). The instrument further comprises a drive mechanism (42), mounted on the handle (4) and operable to drive relative movement between the actuation rod (20) and the handle (4). Also disclosed is an instrument (2) for manipulating an implant, the instrument (2) comprising a handle (4), a suction cup (22) operable to engage a surface of an implant and moveably mounted with respect to the handle (4), and a release cord (104), fixedly connected between an edge (88) of the suction cup (22) and the handle (4). A method of releasing an implant from an instrument (2) to which it is attached is also disclosed. The method comprises displacing the suction cup (22) and associated implant with respect to the handle (4) until the release cord (104) causes peel back of the edge (88) of the suction cup (22).