Active Bone Compression Fixation With Spring-Locked Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fusion and fixation devices are inadequate in effectively holding bones or bone pieces in place during healing and fusion, necessitating improved devices and methods.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation device comprising a first member, a second member, at least one deformable spring member, and a ring member, which allows for compression and distraction of bones through the use of elastic elements and a locking mechanism to maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone fixation devices are used, then bone fusion can be achieved, but the devices fail to provide effective compression and alignment maintenance during healing
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic compression mechanism with spring members that can be activated during surgery to apply controlled compression forces to the bone fragments. The compression is maintained through the elastic properties of the spring members, allowing the system to adapt to healing progress while maintaining effective compression force throughout the recovery period.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables adjustment of compression parameters through the spring member configuration and locking mechanism. The compression force can be modified based on the specific bone fusion requirements, allowing optimization of the compression parameter to enhance bone healing effectiveness while maintaining reliable fixation.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixation is applied to maintain alignment, then bone alignment is improved, but the device cannot accommodate distraction needs or adapt to healing progress
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static rigid fixation system to a dynamic system where the spring members can be compressed and locked at different positions. This allows the device to maintain precise alignment during the initial healing phase and then adapt to provide controlled distraction or adjusted compression as healing progresses, accommodating different therapeutic needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components including the first member, second member, spring members, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for precise alignment through the interlocking of components while maintaining the versatility to adjust the relative positions of bone fragments through the spring member mechanism, enabling both alignment precision and adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex locking mechanisms are added to maintain compression, then compression stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically with the spring members and bone fixation components without requiring complex external control systems. The elastic properties of the spring members and the geometric configuration of the locking elements work together to maintain compression stability through a self-regulating mechanism that reduces overall device complexity while ensuring stable compression throughout the healing process.
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 device provides enhanced bone fusion by applying high compressive forces during healing, followed by reduced compression as healing progresses, and allows for distraction if needed, promoting efficient bone alignment and fusion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one deformable spring member positioned between the first member and the second member
Data Source
AI summary
Active compression devices, methods of assembly and methods of use are disclosed. A bone fixation device may include a first member, a second member shaped to engage the first member, and at least one deformable member. A bone fusion device including a female member with a proximal and distal end, a male member with a proximal and distal end, and at least one elastic element positioned between the female member and the male member. A bone plating device including a first member, a second member shaped to engage the first member, and at least one deformable member positioned between the first member and the second member. Methods of assembling and using the bone fixation devices, bone fusion devices, and bone plating devices are also disclosed.