External Bone Distractor Ring Lock to Prevent Accidental Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external distractors lack sufficient safety mechanisms to prevent unintended or accidental activation during clinical use, compromising the integrity of the distraction process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a spring member into the adjustment mechanism to engage the adjustment ring, requiring increased rotational force for activation and featuring a notch-groove mechanism to ensure intentional operation, thereby preventing accidental rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a distractor is used to mask the real target during search and rescue operations, then the probability of locating the real target is improved, but the complexity of the device and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device is divided into separate functional modules: a housing containing the acoustic signal generator, a distinct propeller assembly for propulsion, and a separate battery compartment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly/disassembly for operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The distractor device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: acoustic signal generation for masking, propeller-driven propulsion for movement, battery power supply for sustained operation, and attachment mechanisms for securing to watercraft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If the distractor is designed to be attached to existing watercraft, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanisms are integrated directly into the distactor housing structure, combining the attachment function with the existing device components. This eliminates the need for separate attachment devices and simplifies the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the distractor uses acoustic signals to mask the real target, then the effectiveness of the distractor is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic signal generator operates in periodic intervals rather than continuously, cycling between emission and silence phases. This periodic operation maintains the masking effectiveness of the distractor while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Enhances safety and user-friendliness by ensuring controlled, incremental adjustments and preventing accidental activation, thus maintaining the stability of the distraction process.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic signal generator configured to generate acoustic signals
Implementation Method 2
a propeller configured to rotate about a rotation axis of the distractor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
External distractor arranged to gradually enlarge the distance between a first bone part and a second bone part, wherein the distractor comprises a first and a second connection device, wherein the first connection device is arranged to be connected to the first bone part with at least one first bone pin and wherein the second connection device is arranged to be connected to the second bone part with at least one second bone pin, wherein the distractor further comprises an adjustment device arranged between the first and second connection devices for adjusting the distance between the first and the second connection devices along an adjustment axis, wherein the adjustment device comprises a tubular base body coupled to the first connection device, an extension tube coupled to the second connection device and an adjustment mechanism for moving the extension tube with respect to the base body along the adjustment axis, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a rotatable adjustment ring for moving the extension tube upon rotation of the adjustment ring around the adjustment axis, wherein the adjustment mechanism further comprises a spring member engaging the adjustment ring for preventing unintended activation of the adjustment mechanism.