Bone Anchoring Receiving Part With Self-Aligning Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone anchoring devices face challenges in achieving a stable and efficient connection between the receiving part and the instrument, which complicates surgical operations and can lead to tissue and fluid accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The receiving part features tapered projections that facilitate a form-fit connection with the instrument, allowing self-alignment and reducing space for tissue and fluid accumulation, while the instrument includes guiding channels and movable arms for smooth attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flanges extend circumferentially at the legs of the receiving part, then the instrument can be gripped and held, but the connection stability and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential flange is segmented into multiple discrete projections distributed around the leg. Each projection acts as an independent engagement feature for the instrument, providing both gripping capability and enhanced connection stability through distributed contact points rather than a continuous flange structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections are designed with specific local geometries including tapered surfaces and engagement recesses at predetermined locations. These localized features provide precise engagement points for the instrument while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the receiving part, improving both ease of operation and connection reliability.
2Reliability
If the receiving part has a complex structure with multiple flanges and recesses, then the instrument can be securely held, but the attachment process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The projections incorporate self-alignment features where the instrument automatically positions itself correctly during attachment. The tapered surfaces and engagement recesses guide the instrument into the proper orientation without requiring complex alignment procedures, reducing attachment complexity while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving part is pre-configured with projections at specific locations and orientations that anticipate the instrument's approach path. This preliminary arrangement of engagement features ensures that when the instrument is brought to the receiving part, the connection can be established quickly and securely without complex manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If the receiving part structure includes extensive flanges and channels, then the instrument can be positioned, but space for tissue and fluid accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts only the essential positioning features needed for instrument holding, removing unnecessary extensive flanges and channels. The projections provide sufficient positioning capability with minimal structure, eliminating crevices and voids where tissue and fluid could accumulate, thus reducing harmful factors while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the receiving part are optimized to minimize surface area and volume available for tissue and fluid accumulation. The projections are designed with compact dimensions and smooth contours that reduce crevices, while still providing adequate instrument positioning capability through strategic placement and shaping of the engagement features.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiving part of a bone anchoring device includes a channel adjacent a first end for receiving a bone fixation element, the channel forming two free legs each having an engagement structure for engaging a locking element to lock the bone fixation element in the channel, an outer surface portion, and at least one projection for engaging an instrument to connect the instrument to the receiving part. The projection projects radially outwardly from the outer surface portion, is spaced apart axially from the first end of the receiving part, and has a circumferential width less than a circumferential width of the legs. The projection has a first side wall that faces the first end. At least part of the first side wall is inclined towards the first end as the first side wall extends circumferentially, to form a region of the projection that narrows towards the first end.