Tongue Advancer Tool with Spring Propulsion for Accurate Implantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tongue manipulation devices for treating upper airway obstruction and sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, face challenges with inaccurate implantation and removal due to manual propulsion methods, leading to patient discomfort and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A tongue advancer implant or removal tool equipped with a loading mechanism, propulsion element, and release mechanism that uses a load spring to accurately and efficiently implant or remove the device, minimizing manual effort and associated inaccuracies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual propulsion method is used to implant or remove the tongue advancer, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy of implantation and removal is poor leading to patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of implantation and removalVSAvoidcomplexity of propulsion mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion element is charged during the loading of the implant assembly into the tool, storing energy automatically without requiring separate manual propulsion actions. The stored energy then self-propels the implant assembly during deployment, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination and improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion element is pre-charged with energy before the implant assembly is deployed. This preliminary charging action occurs during the loading phase, allowing the actual deployment to be executed with precise, pre-prepared force rather than requiring complex real-time manual propulsion control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual propulsion is used to physically push the implant assembly, then the equipment remains simple, but the manual application of driving force causes accuracy problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of implant placementVSAvoidease of manual propulsion

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical propulsion system is replaced with an elastic propulsion system. The elastic element stores and releases energy mechanically, substituting the need for direct manual pushing while maintaining mechanical simplicity. This substitution provides controlled, consistent force application that improves placement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion element acts as an intermediary between the loading mechanism and the implant assembly. It mediates the transfer of energy from the loading process to the implant deployment, providing a controlled intermediate force application that improves precision while keeping the overall system easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the implant is inaccurately located, then the initial placement is quick, but the implant is not easily retracted requiring additional procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of initial implantationVSAvoidease of implant retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tool incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that can transition from a locked loading state to an unlocked deployment state. This dynamic capability allows the same tool to efficiently perform both the initial implantation and the retraction/removal operations, adapting its function based on the operational phase without requiring separate static mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The implant tool is designed with multi-functionality to handle both implantation and removal operations. The combination of loading mechanism, propulsion element, and release mechanism creates a universal tool that can efficiently perform accurate implantation and also facilitate easy retraction or removal if needed, without requiring separate specialized tools.

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 tool enables precise and efficient implantation or removal of the tongue advancer, reducing patient discomfort and improving the accuracy of the procedure by utilizing a propulsion element to overcome manual propulsion limitations.

Implementation Method 1

a propulsion element configured to be charged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10595848B2Tongue advancer implant or removal tool for a tongue manipulation system

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A tongue advancer implant (101) or removal (1601) tool for a tongue manipulation system comprising: a loading mechanism configured to enable the loading of an implant or removal assembly; a propulsion element configured to be charged; a release mechanism configured to permit the propulsion element to propel the implant or removal assembly from the implant or removal tool.