Bone Anchor Device With Transverse Recess For Thread Loop Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for inserting anchor elements into bones struggle with securely holding and easily separating the thread loop during the insertion process, requiring complex and skill-intensive procedures for surgeons.

Innovation Solution

A device with a recess extending longitudinally and transversely, allowing the thread loop to be securely gripped and held captive, with an inclined and radially extending design to prevent the loop from falling off, facilitating easy access and separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the thread loop is held securely during insertion, then the anchor element can be properly positioned and inserted, but the thread loop becomes difficult to separate after insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure thread holdVSAvoidthread separation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The recess transitions from a closed configuration during insertion to an open configuration after insertion, allowing the thread loop to be easily separated. The recess is designed to be open at its proximal end, enabling the thread loop to be pulled through after the anchor element is secured in the bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The recess is divided into distinct sections: a first section for receiving the thread loop during insertion, and a second section that is open to allow separation. This segmentation allows the same structure to serve dual purposes of secure holding and easy release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the recess is designed to prevent the thread loop from falling off, then the thread loop is securely held, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread loop retentionVSAvoidrecess structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recess has different properties at different locations: the distal end is closed to prevent the thread loop from falling off during insertion, while the proximal end is open to allow easy separation after insertion. This local differentiation of properties allows the structure to achieve both retention and ease of separation without adding overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the thread loop is easily accessible for manipulation, then post-insertion handling is simplified, but the thread loop may become dislodged during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread accessibilityVSAvoidthread loop stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recess provides a dynamic environment for the thread loop, transitioning from a confined state during insertion that prevents dislodgement to an accessible state after insertion that allows easy manipulation. The open proximal end of the recess enables instruments to access the thread loop for separation while the closed distal end maintains stability during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1935350B1Device for attaching an anchor element to a bone

Publication Date: 2012.12.05 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The device (10) has a fiber thread mounted into a bone for fixing a fabric relieved from the bone. A long-stretched body (12) has a distal end (18) that is designed such that the body is connectable with an anchor unit in a rotatable coherent manner. A distal end section (22) of the body is provided with a recess, and a loop of the thread threaded via the anchor unit is insertable. The recess is designed such that the inserted loop is prevented from lateral dropping. The recess is designed as a slot extending transverse to a longitudinal axis (26) of the body.