Universal Implant Set Connection Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current implant sets for trauma surgery require multiple adapters and guides to accommodate different implant shapes and sizes, leading to complex handling and a risk of incorrect drilling during bone fracture treatment.

Innovation Solution

The implant set features at least two differently shaped implants with first connecting devices defining differently inclined connection directions, allowing a single target device to be used with all implants, eliminating the need for adapters and special covers by ensuring guides are always aligned with implant openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters and guides are provided to accommodate different implant shapes, then the implant set can be used with various implant configurations, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different implant shapesVSAvoidnumber of adapters and guides
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The target device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple implant shapes and sizes through a single adapterless connection system. The connection device includes a receptacle that universally accepts different implant proximal ends, eliminating the need for multiple shape-specific adapters while maintaining compatibility across various implant configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single target device that can work with all implant types in the set. By integrating universal connection capabilities and multiple guide configurations into one device, it merges the functionality of what would traditionally require separate adapters and guides for different implant shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters and guides are provided to accommodate different implant shapes, then the implant set can be used with various implant configurations, but the risk of incorrect drilling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different implant shapesVSAvoidrisk of incorrect drilling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The target device automatically self-adjusts and self-aligns with the implant through its universal connection interface. When the implant is inserted, the device inherently positions itself correctly without requiring the surgeon to manually select or attach specific adapters, thereby eliminating the risk of incorrect drilling through automatic self-alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The universal connection device acts as an intermediary between the implant and the drilling guides. It mediates the connection by providing a standardized interface that ensures proper alignment and positioning, preventing incorrect drilling through its design that inherently guides the drilling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adapters are used to connect implants to the target device, then different implant shapes can be accommodated, but the handling time and surgical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different implant shapesVSAvoidtime to connect implants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The target device is pre-configured with a universal connection interface that is ready to accept any implant in the set without requiring additional attachment steps. The connection geometry is preliminarily designed to automatically align and connect, eliminating the time-consuming process of selecting and attaching adapters during surgery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1974681B1Implant set
Publication Date: 2010.06.16 AESCULAP AG
  • EP1974681B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1974681B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1974681B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

An implant's shank (15) has proximal and distal ends as well as a first linkage device on the proximal end for linking to an intended tool (12). The first linkage device defines a linkage direction (24) to make improvements so that structure and handling are simplified. Two or more implants have first linkage devices, which define linkage devices set at a different angle regarding a longitudinal axis defined by a proximal end area (102) on each shank.