Bone Clamp Kinematic Chain for Unobstructed Spinal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone clamps for surgical procedures on the spine occupy valuable surgical space due to their perpendicular opening and closing mechanism, limiting the available space for surgical maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A bone clamp with a unique kinematic chain mechanism that allows the actuator to rotate in a different plane from the jaw movement, housed within the main body, enabling the jaws to open and close without obstructing the surgical field, and includes a ratchet mechanism for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the opening and closing mechanism uses prolongations actuated by the user in the same perpendicular plane to the spine, then the clamp can be compact in shape, but the prolongations invade space on either side of the spine and reduce the available space for surgical work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the actuator's rotational movement from the perpendicular plane (first plane) to a parallel plane (second plane). This allows the actuator to operate in a different spatial dimension, eliminating the conflict between clamp compactness and surgical space availability. The kinematic chain transforms this planar movement difference into effective jaw actuation without requiring the actuator to occupy surgical space.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator and second jaw are linked by a kinematic chain with rotational movements in different planes, then the actuator does not invade surgical space, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a kinematic chain as an intermediary mechanism that connects the actuator to the second jaw. This intermediary allows the transformation of rotational movement from the first plane (actuator) to the second plane (jaw) without requiring direct mechanical connection that would compromise either surgical space availability or movement effectiveness. The kinematic chain acts as a mediator that resolves the spatial conflict while maintaining functional integrity.
3Reliability
If the clamp provides stable fixation to the bone, then the clamp remains firmly attached during surgery, but the clamp structure may obstruct surgical access to the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clamp into distinct functional components: the main body with first and second jaws for stable fixation, and a separate actuator mechanism with its own rotational axis. This segmentation allows the clamp to provide reliable fixation through the jaws while the actuator operates independently in a different plane, minimizing obstruction to surgical access. The separated joints and planar movements enable the clamp to fulfill both fixation and accessibility requirements simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to surgical devices, more particular it refers to a surgical clamp that attaches to a patient's bone to assist in surgical procedures. The surgical clamp is configured in such a manner that the clamping elements show a movement in a plane different from the plane of the actuator intended for opening and closing said clamping elements. As a result, the surgical clamp provides a broader working space to the surgeon when carrying out surgical work on the spine.