Integral Vacuum Attachment for Hip Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for attaching implants during hip replacement surgery require additional features on the implant, are complex, costly, and often rely on external vacuum sources with obstructive tubing, leading to instability and increased surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an integral vacuum generating means that creates suction for attachment, eliminating the need for external vacuum sources and additional implant features, using a moveable barrier such as a flexible ring or band to generate vacuum internally, allowing secure attachment without external pipes or machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired or hard attachment devices are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional features must be machined on the implant increasing complexity and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is merged with the introducer device itself through the vacuum generating means, eliminating the need for separate attachment features on the implant. The vacuum cup and barrier integrate the attachment mechanism into the introducer, allowing secure attachment using only the smooth bearing surface of the implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The device generates its own vacuum internally using the vacuum generating means and moveable barrier, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external vacuum sources. This self-contained approach eliminates complex external connections while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If external vacuum sources with tubing are used, then attachment is achieved, but the tubing is obstructive to surgical procedures and can become disconnected or tangled
Solution Approach 1:
The external vacuum source and its obstructive tubing are completely removed from the system. The vacuum generating means is extracted from an external location and integrated into the introducer device itself, eliminating all associated piping and connections that interfere with surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum generation function is merged with the introducer device, creating a single integrated unit. This combines the attachment function with the insertion device, eliminating the need for separate vacuum equipment and tubing that would obstruct surgical maneuverability.
3Ease of manufacture
If monoblock metal components with reduced wall thickness are used, then modern implant design is achieved, but the bearing surface must not be compromised by attachment methods
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical attachment system (wires, hard attachments requiring machined features) is replaced with a vacuum-based attachment system. This substitution uses atmospheric pressure differentials instead of mechanical fastening, eliminating the need to machine attachment features that would compromise the bearing surface of thin-walled monoblock implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cup and moveable barrier act as flexible sealing elements that conform to the implant surface without requiring rigid attachment features. This flexible sealing approach maintains the integrity of the bearing surface while providing secure attachment through vacuum pressure.
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 solution provides a flexible, cost-effective, and portable attachment method that reduces surgical complexity, minimizes material usage, and prevents attachment surface damage, ensuring secure implantation without compromising the bearing surface or requiring external vacuum sources.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generating means for generating a vacuum between the implant and the device, thereby attaching the implant to the device
Implementation Method 2
the barrier can be moved so as to increase or decrease the volume, thereby increasing or decreasing the vacuum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device (1) for attaching to an object (11), comprising: a portion (4) for attaching to an object, in use; a vacuum generating (6-10) means for generating a vacuum between the object and the portion, in use, thereby attaching the object to the device. A method of using the device.