Nerve extension traction device

Abstract

This invention relates to a nerve lengthening traction device, comprising a fixation device and a traction device. The fixation device includes a bone screw, and the traction device includes a traction mounting frame, a traction wire, a traction wire guide assembly, and a winding wheel. The traction mounting frame is fixed to the bone screw, and the winding wheel is rotatably fitted onto the traction mounting frame via an axle. One end of the traction wire is a nerve connection end fixedly connected to the nerve, and the other end of the traction wire is guided by the traction wire guide assembly to expose the tissue and is wound and fixed onto the winding wheel. The winding wheel is equipped with a nerve lengthening operation device that drives the winding wheel to rotate and can lock and retain it. This allows for periodic, fixed-length traction and retention of the nerve to prevent retraction, providing a guarantee for nerve repair experiments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically a traction device for nerve traction. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the treatment for severed nerves involves autologous nerve transplantation, using cutaneous nerves with less critical function to repair vital nerves. However, this method has limitations; the available nerves are generally thin and cannot repair thicker, longer nerve defects. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need for a method to repair nerve defects. Since direct nerve reconnection is not possible due to the often length-related defects in the damaged nerves, and given existing surgical precedents of using the self-healing function of other tissues to achieve tissue regeneration and reconnection, a breakthrough in medicine would be achieved if the nerve's stretchable structure could be utilized to extend it for direct reconnection, restoring its function. To better verify the effectiveness of this medical approach, a device capable of nerve traction is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a nerve extension traction device that enables periodic and fixed-length traction of the nerve to prevent retraction.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A nerve lengthening traction device, characterized in that it includes a fixing device and a traction device. The fixing device includes a bone nail, and the traction device includes a traction mounting frame, a traction wire, a traction wire guide assembly, and a winding wheel. The traction mounting frame is fixed to the bone nail, and the winding wheel is positioned and rotated on the traction mounting frame via an axle. One end of the traction wire is a nerve connection end that is fixedly connected to the nerve, and the other end of the traction wire is guided by the traction wire guide assembly to expose the tissue and is wound and fixed on the winding wheel. The winding wheel is equipped with a nerve lengthening operation device that drives the winding wheel to rotate and can lock and retain it.

[0006] The nerve extension traction device of the present invention is fixed to the animal skeleton with bone nails to complete the wearing. One end of the traction line is connected to the end of the nerve. The traction line is guided from the inside of the tissue to the outside by the traction line guide assembly and wound up by the winding wheel. The nerve extension operation device is used to drive the winding wheel to rotate and wind up the traction line, thereby achieving traction and extension of the nerve. After winding up a certain length, the nerve extension operation device provides locking force to maintain the nerve.

[0007] Preferably, the nerve extension operating device includes a driving worm, a driving worm wheel, a reduction gear pair, a driving sleeve, an adjusting operating shaft, an axial clutch gear pair, and an adjusting operating shaft locking assembly. The driving worm wheel is mounted on an axle, the worm is rotatably fitted to a traction mounting frame, and the worm meshes with the worm wheel. The driven wheel of the reduction gear pair is mounted on the worm, and the driving wheel of the reduction gear pair is mounted on the driving sleeve. The driving sleeve is rotatably fitted to the traction mounting frame. The adjusting operating shaft passes through the driving sleeve. The axial clutch gear pair includes a driving end face gear and a driven end face gear. The driven end face gear is mounted on the driving sleeve, and the driving end face gear is mounted on the adjusting operating shaft. The adjusting operating shaft moves axially to engage with the driving end face gear and the driven end face gear, forming a clutch engagement. The adjusting operating shaft locking assembly locks with the adjusting operating shaft when it moves axially to the disengaged position of the axial clutch gear pair and unlocks when it moves axially to the engaged position of the axial clutch gear pair.

[0008] The working process of the aforementioned nerve extension device is as follows: During adjustment, the axial pushing of the adjustment shaft engages the axial clutch gear pair, connecting the adjustment shaft and the drive sleeve into one unit. Rotating the adjustment shaft drives the winding wheel to rotate via the reduction gear pair and worm gear. The aforementioned transmission method, especially the reduction gear pair and worm gear, facilitates the control of adjustment accuracy. The worm gear has a self-locking function, providing good nerve stretching retention. The power between the adjustment shaft and the drive wheel can be cut off and connected via the axial clutch gear pair, avoiding misoperation, and the structure is compact.

[0009] Preferably, a damping assembly is provided between the adjusting operating shaft and the traction mounting frame. The damping assembly includes a first damping ring, a second damping ring, and a spring. The first damping ring is attached to the traction mounting frame, and the second damping ring is attached to the adjusting operating shaft. The first and second damping rings are arranged axially along the adjusting operating shaft. The spring is fitted onto the adjusting operating shaft and is sandwiched between the first and second damping rings. The spring moves axially along the adjusting operating shaft until the clutch gear pair disengages from compression and energy storage.

[0010] Under the above structural design, when the adjusting shaft moves axially to disengage the clutch gear pair, the spring stores energy. Under the action of the first damping ring and the second damping ring, the adjusting shaft is blocked, preventing the rotating position of the adjusting shaft from shifting during axial movement and ensuring reliable traction adjustment. During the engagement of the clutch gear pair, the spring provides elastic force to enable the adjusting shaft to quickly reset. During the reset process, the spring controls the damping force of the adjusting shaft.

[0011] Preferably, the adjusting operation shaft locking assembly includes an elastic clamping sleeve arranged coaxially with the adjusting operation shaft. The elastic clamping sleeve includes a mounting ring, and the mounting ring has a plurality of elastic claws evenly distributed circumferentially. Each elastic claw extends from the fixed end to the free end at an incline and converges to form a cone shape. Each elastic claw forms an annular elastic holding opening at the free end, and the elastic holding opening is arranged facing the adjusting operation shaft. The adjusting operation shaft is provided with a cone-shaped head, the small end of the cone-shaped head facing the elastic clamping sleeve. The outer circumferential surface of the large end of the cone-shaped head is provided with an annular locking groove, and the annular locking groove corresponds to and cooperates with the elastic holding opening.

[0012] With the above structural design, the axial movement of the adjustment shaft allows the small end of the conical head to extend into the elastic gripping opening, thus opening the elastic gripping opening formed by the elastic claw until the elastic gripping opening corresponds to the position of the annular locking groove. The free end of the elastic claw is then engaged in the annular locking groove, thereby achieving axial locking of the adjustment shaft by the elastic clamping sleeve. This design has the advantages of simple structure and stable and reliable operation.

[0013] Preferably, the adjusting operating shaft locking assembly further includes a push rod, which is arranged coaxially with the adjusting operating shaft. The push rod slides linearly along the axial direction on the traction mounting frame. The push rod is located at the end of the elastic clamping sleeve opposite to the elastic holding opening. The push rod is axially pushed and engaged with the adjusting operating shaft.

[0014] With the above structural design, the adjustment shaft can be reset by pushing it with a push rod, which makes the operation more convenient and reliable. This avoids the adjustment shaft from rotating when it is pulled out, thus ensuring the reliability of the operation.

[0015] Preferably, the push rod is provided with a drive spring that drives the adjustment shaft to press against the adjustment shaft.

[0016] With the above structural design, the drive spring enables the push rod to elastically contact the adjusting shaft, which ensures the reliable engagement of the axial clutch gear pair.

[0017] Preferably, the traction line guiding assembly includes a guide roller and a reversing guide roller for guiding the traction line to the traction mounting frame, the guide roller being disposed between the reversing guide roller and the take-up roller.

[0018] Under the above structural design, the guide wheel enables the traction line to change direction and turn when it extends from the animal tissue to the winding wheel, and the guide roller guides the traction line.

[0019] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nerve extension traction device structure according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the traction device structure according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] See appendix Figure 1 This invention discloses a nerve lengthening traction device, comprising a fixing device 1 and a traction device 2. The fixing device includes a bone nail 11. The traction device 2 includes a traction mounting frame 21, a traction line (which can be an existing surgical suture, etc.), a traction line guide assembly, and a winding wheel 22. The traction mounting frame 21 is fixed to the bone nail 11. The traction mounting frame 21 and the bone nail 11 can be connected by multiple bone nails via a connecting plate 12. The traction mounting frame 21 is locked and fixed to the connecting plate 12 with screws, or other existing fixing and mounting structures can be used, such as plug-in, snap-fit, etc. The winding wheel 22 is positioned and rotated on the traction mounting frame 21 via a wheel axle. One end of the traction line is a nerve connection end that is fixedly connected to the nerve. The other end of the traction line is guided by the traction line guide assembly to expose the tissue and is wound and fixed on the winding wheel 22. The winding wheel 22 is equipped with a nerve lengthening operation device that drives the winding wheel 22 to rotate and can lock and retain it.

[0023] The nerve extension device includes a drive worm 231, a drive worm wheel 232, a reduction gear pair 24, a drive sleeve 25, an adjustment shaft 26, an axial clutch gear pair 27, and an adjustment shaft locking assembly 28. The drive worm wheel 232 is mounted on an axle. The worm 231 is rotatably fitted onto the traction mounting frame 21, and the worm 231 meshes with the worm wheel 232. The driven wheel 241 of the reduction gear pair 24 is mounted on the worm 231, and the driving wheel 242 of the reduction gear pair 24 is mounted on the drive sleeve 25. The drive sleeve 25 is rotatably fitted onto the traction mounting frame 21. The adjustment shaft 26 passes through the drive sleeve 26. 5. The axial clutch gear pair 27 includes a driving end face gear 271 and a driven end face gear 272. The driven end face gear 272 is mounted on the drive sleeve 25, and the driving end face gear 271 is mounted on the adjustment operation shaft 26. The adjustment operation shaft 26 moves axially to engage with the drive sleeve 25 to form a clutch engagement between the driving end face gear 271 and the driven end face gear 272. The adjustment operation shaft locking assembly 28 locks with the adjustment operation shaft 26 when it moves axially to the disengaged position (power cut-off) of the axial clutch gear pair 27, and unlocks when it moves axially to the engaged position of the axial clutch gear pair 27. The working process of the aforementioned nerve extension device is as follows: During adjustment, the axial pushing of the adjustment shaft engages the axial clutch gear pair, connecting the adjustment shaft and the drive sleeve into one unit. Rotating the adjustment shaft drives the winding wheel to rotate via the reduction gear pair and worm gear. The aforementioned transmission method, especially the reduction gear pair and worm gear, facilitates the control of adjustment accuracy. The worm gear has a self-locking function, providing good nerve stretching retention. The power between the adjustment shaft and the drive wheel can be cut off and connected via the axial clutch gear pair, avoiding misoperation, and the structure is compact.

[0024] To ensure that the circumferential position of the adjusting operating shaft does not change during clutch operation, a damping assembly is provided between the adjusting operating shaft 26 and the traction mounting frame 21. The damping assembly includes a first damping ring 31, a second damping ring 32, and a spring 33. The first damping ring 31 is attached to the traction mounting frame 21, and the second damping ring 32 is attached to the adjusting operating shaft 26. The first damping ring 31 and the second damping ring 32 are arranged axially along the adjusting operating shaft 26. The spring 33 is fitted onto the adjusting operating shaft 26 and is sandwiched between the first damping ring 31 and the second damping ring 32. The spring 33 moves axially along the adjusting operating shaft 26 until the clutch gear pair 27 disengages and the energy is stored. The first and second damping rings provide a certain frictional resistance, which can be achieved by relying on the friction coefficient of the materials or by using a friction texture design with a certain frictional force. When the adjusting shaft moves axially to disengage the clutch gear pair, the spring stores energy. Under the action of the first and second damping rings, the adjusting shaft is blocked, preventing the rotating position of the adjusting shaft from shifting during axial movement and ensuring reliable traction adjustment. During the engagement of the clutch gear pair, the spring provides elastic force to allow the adjusting shaft to quickly return to its original position. During the return process, the spring controls the damping force of the adjusting shaft. Furthermore, to ensure smooth rotation of the adjusting shaft, the damping force of the second damping ring on the adjusting shaft can be controlled by controlling the spring preload.

[0025] The adjustment operation shaft locking assembly 28 includes an elastic clamping sleeve 281 arranged coaxially with the adjustment operation shaft 26. The elastic clamping sleeve 281 includes a mounting ring 2811, and the mounting ring 2811 has a plurality of elastic claws 2812 evenly distributed circumferentially. Each elastic claw 2812 extends from the fixed end to the free end at an inclination and converges with each other to form a cone shape. Each elastic claw 2812 forms an annular elastic holding opening 280 at the free end. The elastic holding opening 280 is arranged facing the adjustment operation shaft 26. The adjustment operation shaft 26 is provided with a cone-shaped head 261. The small end of the cone head 261 faces the elastic clamping sleeve 281. The outer circumferential surface of the large end of the cone head 261 is provided with an annular locking groove 2611, which corresponds to and cooperates with the elastic holding opening 280. The axial movement of the adjustment shaft allows the small end of the conical head to extend into the elastic gripping opening, thus opening the elastic gripping opening formed by the elastic claws until it aligns with the annular locking groove. The free end of the elastic claw then engages within the annular locking groove, achieving axial locking of the adjustment shaft by the elastic clamping sleeve. This design offers advantages such as simple structure and stable, reliable operation. The free end of the elastic claw also extends with a guide arm inclined outwards, forming a flared opening to facilitate the alignment of the conical head with the elastic gripping opening. Simultaneously, the elastic gripping opening of the elastic clamping sleeve grips the conical head on the adjustment shaft, preventing rotation during axial movement. The axial locking force formed by the elastic gripping opening within the annular locking groove is greater than the spring force stored in the damping assembly.

[0026] Because the damping force of the damping assembly on the adjusting operating shaft decreases when the adjusting operating shaft is reset (axial clutch gear pair meshes), the following design is adopted to avoid rotation of the adjusting operating shaft during the reset process: The adjusting operating shaft locking assembly 28 further includes a push rod 282, which is coaxially arranged with the adjusting operating shaft 26. The push rod 282 is linearly slidably fitted onto the traction mounting bracket 21 along the axial direction. A square hole and rod can be used to achieve linear sliding fit. The push rod 282 is located at the end of the elastic clamping sleeve 281 opposite to the elastic holding opening 280. The push rod 282 is axially pushed onto the adjusting operating shaft 26. In this way, when the adjusting operating shaft is reset, it can be pushed onto the adjusting operating shaft by the push rod, making the operation more convenient and reliable, avoiding rotation of the adjusting operating shaft when it is pulled out, thereby ensuring the reliability of the operation.

[0027] Furthermore, the push rod 282 is equipped with a drive spring 283 that presses against the adjustment shaft 26. The drive spring 283 enables the push rod to elastically abut against the adjustment shaft, ensuring reliable engagement of the axial clutch gear pair. Here, to ensure reliable locking of the adjustment shaft in the power cut-off position, the axial locking force formed by the elastic clamping port holding the shaft in the annular locking groove is greater than the sum of the spring force stored in the damping assembly and the spring force stored in the drive spring.

[0028] Additionally, the traction line guiding assembly includes a guide roller 41 and a reversing guide roller 42 for guiding the traction line to the traction mounting frame. The guide roller 41 is located between the reversing guide roller 42 and the take-up roller 22. The reversing guide roller enables the traction line to change direction as it extends from the animal tissue towards the take-up roller, while the guide roller guides the traction line.

[0029] The traction mounting frame 21 can be arranged vertically relative to the bone screw or horizontally (the figure shows a horizontal mounting). As is generally known, the traction mounting frame can be designed with an outer casing to protect and isolate the transmission components. This design is readily available to those skilled in the art using common knowledge, therefore it is omitted from the figure and will not be described further in this specific embodiment.

[0030] The nerve extension traction device of this invention is fixed to the animal skeleton using bone screws to complete the wearing process. One end of the traction line is connected to the nerve terminal. The traction line is guided from the inside of the tissue to the outside by a traction line guide assembly and wound up by a winding wheel. The nerve extension operating device drives the winding wheel to rotate and wind up the traction line, thereby achieving nerve extension. After winding up a certain length, the nerve extension operating device provides a locking force to maintain the nerve. This facilitates experiments on nerve traction.

Claims

1. A nerve extension traction device, characterized in that: The device includes a fixation device and a traction device. The fixation device includes a bone screw. The traction device includes a traction mounting frame, a traction wire, a traction wire guide assembly, and a winding wheel. The traction mounting frame is fixed to the bone screw. The winding wheel is positioned and rotated on the traction mounting frame via an axle. One end of the traction wire is a nerve connection end that is fixedly connected to a nerve. The other end of the traction wire is guided by the traction wire guide assembly to expose the tissue and is wound and fixed on the winding wheel. The winding wheel is equipped with a nerve extension operating device that drives the winding wheel to rotate and can be locked in place. The nerve extension operating device includes a drive worm, a drive worm wheel, a reduction gear pair, a drive sleeve, an adjustment operating shaft, an axial clutch gear pair, and an adjustment operating shaft locking assembly. The drive worm wheel is mounted on the axle. The worm is positioned and rotated on the traction mounting frame. The worm and worm wheel mesh. The driven wheel of the reduction gear pair is mounted on... On the worm gear, the driving wheel of the reduction gear pair is mounted on the drive sleeve, and the drive sleeve is rotatably fitted to the traction mounting frame. The adjusting operating shaft passes through the drive sleeve. The axial clutch gear pair includes a driving end face gear and a driven end face gear. The driven end face gear is mounted on the drive sleeve, and the driving end face gear is mounted on the adjusting operating shaft. The adjusting operating shaft moves axially and is fitted to the drive sleeve to form a clutch engagement between the driving end face gear and the driven end face gear. The adjusting operating shaft locking assembly is locked to the adjusting operating shaft when it moves axially to the position where the axial clutch gear pair is disengaged, and unlocked when it moves axially to the position where the axial clutch gear pair is engaged. The traction line guiding assembly includes a guide roller and a reversing guide roller for guiding the traction line to the traction mounting frame. The guide roller is located between the reversing guide roller and the take-up roller.

2. The nerve lengthening traction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A damping assembly is provided between the adjustment operating shaft and the traction mounting frame. The damping assembly includes a first damping ring, a second damping ring, and a spring. The first damping ring is attached to the traction mounting frame, and the second damping ring is attached to the adjustment operating shaft. The first and second damping rings are arranged axially along the adjustment operating shaft. The spring is fitted onto the adjustment operating shaft and is sandwiched between the first and second damping rings. The spring moves axially along the adjustment operating shaft until the clutch gear pair disengages from compression and energy storage.

3. The nerve lengthening traction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting operation shaft locking assembly includes an elastic clamping sleeve arranged coaxially with the adjusting operation shaft. The elastic clamping sleeve includes a mounting ring with several elastic claws evenly distributed circumferentially. Each elastic claw extends from the fixed end to the free end at an incline and converges to form a cone shape. Each elastic claw forms an annular elastic holding opening at the free end, with the elastic holding opening facing the adjusting operation shaft. The adjusting operation shaft is provided with a cone-shaped head, with the small end of the cone facing the elastic clamping sleeve. The outer circumferential surface of the large end of the cone is provided with an annular locking groove, which corresponds to and cooperates with the elastic holding opening.

4. The nerve lengthening traction device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adjusting operation shaft locking assembly also includes a push rod, which is arranged coaxially with the adjusting operation shaft. The push rod slides linearly along the axial direction on the traction mounting frame. The push rod is located at the end of the elastic clamping sleeve opposite to the elastic holding opening. The push rod is axially pushed and engaged with the adjusting operation shaft.

5. The nerve lengthening traction device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The push rod is equipped with a drive spring that presses against the adjustment shaft.

Images