Orthopedic simulator with a multi-axis slide table assembly

Inventors

Schulz, Bradley D. • Leska, Sr., Paul J. • Willis, Dennis J. • Fahrendorff, Harold F.

Assignees

MTS Systems Corp

Abstract

An orthopedic simulator including a holder assembly and a slide table is disclosed. The holder assembly is configured to hold a test specimen to supply test loads. In the embodiment shown, the slide table is coupled to the holder assembly and includes a plurality of translation plates movable along a plurality of axis. As shown, the plurality of translation plates include a first translation plate movable along a first axis and a second translation plate movable along a second axis generally transverse to the first axis. In illustrated embodiments, an adjustable screw lock is configured to provide a positive lock to restrict movement or stroke of the first or second translation plates along the first or second axis. As disclosed, movement of the first or second translation plates is biased via a spring assembly for example to simulate the effect of soft tissue.

Core Innovation

The orthopedic simulator includes a holder assembly configured to hold a test specimen and a multi-axis slide table coupled to the holder assembly. The multi-axis slide table includes a first translation plate movable along a first axis and a second translation plate movable along a second axis different from the first axis, with each translation plate mounted through a linear slide and rail arrangement.

A positive lock arrangement limits movement of one of the first or second translation plates. The positive lock uses at least one post coupled to the base with a screw slot configured to receive a lock screw aligned with one of the translation plates.

The simulator also provides soft tissue simulation. A soft tissue simulating arrangement is coupled to the first and second translation plates to simulate forces or input from soft tissue, and spring assemblies input biasing forces to the translation plates, with springs arranged between the post and the first translation plate and between an upright portion and the second translation plate.

The disclosed simulator assembly can be operated to apply shear and to load the test specimen through the translation plates. At least one actuator can be coupled to one or both translation plates to generate static or dynamic shear force on the translation plates, and a holder assembly can include first and second holders configured to hold a test specimen with an actuator configured to apply a load force through the translation plates.

Claims Coverage

The document includes three independent claim sets. Across these claims, the inventive features focus on the multi-axis translation plate architecture, the positive lock using screw slots and lock screws, and the soft tissue simulation via biasing springs or a soft tissue simulating arrangement, optionally combined with actuator-generated shear and load-force application through the translation plates.

Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on a holder assembly with a multi-axis slide table formed by first and second translation plates moving along different axes via linear slide and rail arrangements. The coverage further includes a positive locking structure using base posts with screw slots and aligned lock screws to limit translation plate movement, and soft tissue simulation implemented through a soft tissue simulating arrangement and spring assemblies applying biasing forces to the translation plates.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications