How a Magnetic Orthopedic Tool Delivers Force
This patent describes an orthopedic impactor that uses an electromagnet to create a magnetic field, which then moves a striking part to deliver a controlled force to an object, likely bone or an implant.
Original patent title: “Impactor”
This patent describes an orthopedic impactor that uses an electromagnet to create a magnetic field, which then moves a striking part to deliver a controlled force to an object, likely bone or an implant. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes an "orthopaedic impactor," a specialized tool for bone surgery. It works by having a "strike assembly" that is designed to hit or push an object. The clever part is how it moves: a "winding" (a coil of wire) receives an electric current, which then generates a "magnetic field." This magnetic field interacts with the strike assembly, causing it to move and "impart a force to the object." For example, a surgeon could use this tool to precisely tap a hip implant into place without needing to manually strike it, ensuring consistent force.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover impactors that rely solely on mechanical force, like a traditional hammer.
- Does not cover impactors driven by hydraulic or pneumatic (air pressure) systems.
- Does not cover impactors where the force is generated by means other than a magnetic field interacting with a strike assembly.
- Does not cover impactors designed for non-orthopedic applications.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in using an electromagnetically-driven strike assembly for an orthopedic impactor. This allows for controlled, repeatable force application without direct manual striking, potentially improving precision and reducing variability in surgical procedures.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Electromagnetic surgical tools
Powered orthopedic implant insertion devices
Precision surgical impactors
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology could offer more precise and consistent force delivery in orthopedic surgeries compared to manual methods. By using an electromagnet, the force applied can be carefully controlled and repeated, which is crucial for tasks like seating implants. This could potentially reduce surgeon fatigue and improve patient outcomes by ensuring implants are positioned with optimal force.
Filed
November 9, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies specializing in surgical instrumentation and medical robotics are likely exploring similar technologies to enhance precision and automation in orthopedic procedures. Major players in orthopedic devices, such as Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, and DePuy Synthes, continually innovate in powered surgical tools and could find this approach valuable.
Market impact
Given that this patent is not yet granted and has no forward citationsforward citationsLater patents that cite this one as prior art. High counts signal foundational influence.Read more →, its market impact is currently theoretical. However, if successfully commercialized, such a device could lead to a new category of precision-controlled orthopedic tools. It could improve standardization of surgical techniques and potentially reduce complications related to inconsistent force application during implant placement.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes an "orthopaedic impactor," a specialized tool for bone surgery. It works by having a "strike assembly" that is designed to hit or push an object. The clever part is how it moves: a "winding" (a coil of wire) receives an electric current, which then generates a "magnetic field." This magnetic field interacts with the strike assembly, causing it to move and "impart a force to the object." For example, a surgeon could use this tool to precisely tap a hip implant into place without needing to manually strike it, ensuring consistent force.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in using an electromagnetically-driven strike assembly for an orthopedic impactor. This allows for controlled, repeatable force application without direct manual striking, potentially improving precision and reducing variability in surgical procedures.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover impactors that rely solely on mechanical force, like a traditional hammer.
- Does not cover impactors driven by hydraulic or pneumatic (air pressure) systems.
- Does not cover impactors where the force is generated by means other than a magnetic field interacting with a strike assembly.
- Does not cover impactors designed for non-orthopedic applications.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 17.1 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How a Magnetic Orthopedic Tool Delivers Force (U.S. Patent No. 12,733,967). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733967/impactor
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How a Magnetic Orthopedic Tool Delivers Force cover?
This patent describes an orthopedic impactor that uses an electromagnet to create a magnetic field, which then moves a striking part to deliver a controlled force to an object, likely bone or an implant.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology could offer more precise and consistent force delivery in orthopedic surgeries compared to manual methods. By using an electromagnet, the force applied can be carefully controlled and repeated, which is crucial for tasks like seating implants. This could potentially reduce surgeon fatigue and improve patient outcomes by ensuring implants are positioned with optimal force.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover impactors that rely solely on mechanical force, like a traditional hammer.
Patent monitoring