Lockable Swivel Patella Clamp for Parallel Implant Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patella clamps struggle to accommodate variable anatomical geometries and evenly distribute clamping force, particularly on the non-resected side of the patella, during surgical resurfacing procedures, which can lead to suboptimal alignment and placement of patella implants.
Innovation Solution
A patella clamp with a lockable swivel mechanism that allows for selective rotation and tilting of the spiked plate to align the resected surface of the patella with the patella implant, ensuring parallel alignment and even distribution of clamping force through a swivel connected to a dish and a locking pin system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed patella clamp design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate variable anatomical geometries of different patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a swivel mechanism that allows the spiked plate to rotate and tilt dynamically to match the anatomical geometry of different patellas. The swivel aperture enables angular adjustment while the locking pin secures the desired position, transforming a static clamp into an adaptable device that conforms to variable patient anatomy without requiring multiple specialized clamp designs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed clamp design is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but clamping force cannot be evenly distributed on the non-resected surface
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel mechanism allows the spiked plate to be oriented at various angles to match the non-resected surface geometry of different patellas. This dynamic adjustment capability enables even distribution of clamping force across the irregular surface, preventing concentration of force at specific points while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment adjustments are made during surgery, then proper implant placement is achieved, but surgical time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel mechanism allows the surgeon to pre-align the spiked plate with the patella's anatomical geometry before inserting the implant. By establishing the correct orientation in advance through the swivel adjustment, the implant can be placed accurately without requiring time-consuming alignment adjustments after insertion, thereby maintaining precision while reducing overall surgical time.
Data Source
AI summary
A patella clamp includes a lockable swivel that is able to freely tilt from 1° to 30° in any direction and then be locked in that orientation. This ability to freely swivel will allow a user to align a resected surface of a patella parallel to the other end of the patella clamp to make the operative surfaces of the implant and the patella substantially parallel to each other.