Surgical Extractor Linkage Mechanism for Orthopedic Implant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical extractors face challenges in efficiently and effectively extracting orthopedic implants, such as glenospheres, from bone due to limitations in mechanical design, which can result in inadequate gripping and increased difficulty in accessing and removing implants of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical extractor with a linkage assembly and driven shaft system that allows for precise movement between first and second positions, featuring a tensioning shaft with a locking mechanism and jaws with medial protrusions and serrations for secure grip, enabling the extractor to adjust to different implant sizes and provide a clamping force for effective extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional surgical extractor design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the gripping capability is inadequate and extraction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical extractor employs a dynamic linkage assembly with multiple movable links (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) connected through pivot points, allowing the jaws to move dynamically along a linear path. This dynamic structure adapts to implants of varying sizes while maintaining secure gripping capability, resolving the contradiction between reliable gripping and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor is divided into multiple functional segments including the housing, linkage assembly with separate links, driven shaft, and jaws. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall gripping mechanism, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extractor is designed for specific implant sizes, then the gripping is precise, but the adaptability to different implant sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can accommodate implants of various sizes. The coordinated movement of multiple links ensures that the jaws maintain proper alignment and gripping force regardless of the implant size, achieving both adaptability and manufacturing precision through a single multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor utilizes parameter changes in the linkage geometry and link lengths to adapt to different implant sizes. By adjusting the configuration parameters of the linkage assembly, the device maintains precise gripping alignment across a range of implant dimensions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the jaws move in a non-linear path, then the mechanism is simpler, but the alignment with the implant is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly creates a dynamic system where the jaws move in a controlled linear path through coordinated rotation of multiple links. This dynamic mechanism ensures precise alignment with the implant during extraction while managing the complexity through efficient mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the driven shaft and the jaws. It translates the rotational motion of the driven shaft into linear movement of the jaws along the correct path, ensuring proper alignment without requiring the jaws themselves to have complex movement mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the tensioning shaft, then the extraction stability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be engaged and disengaged at specific stages of the extraction process. The surgeon can preliminarily adjust the tensioning shaft position, lock it to maintain stability during extraction, and release it when adjustment is needed. This preliminary action approach maintains both extraction stability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to maintain the tensioning shaft position automatically once set, requiring minimal intervention during the extraction process. The mechanism serves itself by maintaining stability without continuous adjustment, improving ease of operation while preserving extraction stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical extractor that includes a first arm and a second arm, a linkage assembly connected to the first and second arms, and a driven shaft operatively engaged with the linkage assembly for moving the linkage assembly between first and second positions. The surgical extractor further includes a tensioning shaft engageable with the driven shaft for moving the driven shaft relative to the linkage assembly.