External Fixation Clamp Assembly for Bilateral Joint Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation devices are cumbersome to lock into place, require multiple assistants, and are limited in design for use on either the right or left side of joints, increasing surgical complexity and inventory needs.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a unitary or modular construction featuring a clamp body and a locking assembly that allows for precise adjustment and locking of bone fragments, suitable for use on either side of a joint, with a lever mechanism to reduce the distance between jaws and a locking element to secure the clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixation devices with separate locking mechanisms are used, then the device provides stable fracture fixation, but the locking process becomes cumbersome and requires multiple assistants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms into a single integrated clamp assembly. The clamp body simultaneously secures both the fixation rod and bone pin with unified locking action, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing the requirement for multiple assistants during the locking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: securing the fixation rod, securing the bone pin, and providing adjustable angular positioning, all within a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and locking operations needed.
2Reliability
If traditional hinged external fixator devices are used, then the device provides joint fracture fixation, but the device must be dedicated to either right or left side only
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates asymmetric adjustment capabilities that allow it to accommodate both right and left side applications. The rotating joint mechanism can be adjusted to provide the appropriate angular orientation for either side of the body, eliminating the need for separate right-sided and left-sided devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed as a universal component that can be used on either the right or left side of the body. The adjustable angular positioning and symmetric mounting options allow a single clamp design to serve both sides, reducing inventory requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional external fixation clamps with separate locking mechanisms are used, then the device provides secure fixation, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rod-clamping mechanism and pin-clamping mechanism into a single integrated clamp body. This unified design reduces the total number of clamps needed while maintaining secure fixation of both the fixation rod and bone pin through coordinated locking action.
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 simplifies the locking process, reduces the need for multiple assistants, and allows a single system to be used on either side of a joint, thereby decreasing surgical complexity and inventory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a lever configured to couple to the second locking element. The lever is configured to attach to the second locking element and rotate about the second locking element from a first position to a second position to cause the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to be reduced further
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping system includes a first clamp body including a first jaw, a second jaw, and a first aperture configured to receive a bone pin, the first clamp body is configured to receive a first connector rod between the first jaw and the second jaw, a second clamp body coupled to the first clamp body and including a third jaw, a fourth jaw, and a second aperture configured to receive the bone pin, the second clamp body configured to receive a second connector rod between the third jaw and the fourth jaw, and a securing assembly movable between a first position and a second position, such that moving the securing assembly from the first position to the second position reduces a distance between the first jaw and the second and reduces a distance between the third jaw and the fourth jaw.