Non-Threaded Bone Anchor Fixation for Controlled Compression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthopedic and dental procedures using screw plate configurations fail to achieve consistent bone compression or distraction, and threaded anchors tend to back out over time.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing non-threaded anchors with offset heads that interact with implant apertures to cause transverse movement, achieving compression or distraction of boney structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded anchors (screws) are used to fix boney structures, then the fixation can be achieved, but the anchors tend to back out over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidanchor position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the threaded portion from the anchor design, extracting the problematic threading mechanism that causes backout. The anchor becomes a smooth, non-threaded implant that achieves fixation through alternative means (compression and friction), eliminating the source of instability while maintaining fixation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using threads to achieve grip (conventional approach), the patent inverts the logic by using compression and friction from a smooth anchor design. The anchor is driven into the bone and held in place by the compressive force and friction, rather than mechanical interlocking threads, reversing the traditional fixation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If screw plate configurations are used to stabilize boney structures, then stabilization is achieved, but bone compression or distraction is not consistently achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilizationVSAvoidbone compression force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stabilization function and compression function into a single integrated system. The plate and anchor assembly is designed so that the act of inserting the anchor inherently produces compression between the boney structures, combining fixation and compression into one unified mechanism rather than separate functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor is designed with a geometry that performs the compression action during its insertion process. The tapered or angled profile of the anchor causes the boney structures to be compressed together as the anchor is driven into place, achieving compression before the final fixation is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12599483B2System and method for joining boney structures

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 LEE RANDALL F

AI summary

Disclosed are system and methods that use at least one non-threaded anchor and an implant with at least one aperture to join boney structures, where the interaction of the head of the anchor with the implant aperture causes the anchor to move transversely with respect to an initial trajectory. This movement causes compression or distraction of the boney structures which are coupled to the anchors.