External Bone Fixation Clamp Translation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unilateral external bone fixation systems lack the ability for rapid and efficient translation of clamp assemblies along the beam element, making it cumbersome to arrange and position them optimally for small bones, such as those in the hand or foot, which complicates the fixation process.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a longitudinal beam element with axial engagement features and drivable clamp assemblies that can be selectively locked and translated along the beam, allowing for independent movement and positioning of multiple clamp assemblies, including features like threaded tracks and anti-rotation members for precise alignment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamp assemblies are arranged along the beam element for fixation of small bones, then the fixation capability is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam element is divided into multiple modular clamp assemblies that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the beam. Each clamp assembly is a self-contained unit that can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the system to be configured for different bone sizes and fixation requirements without requiring a completely different device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assemblies are designed with drivable mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of their positions along the beam element. This enables the system to adapt to different clinical scenarios by moving clamps to optimal locations, rather than being fixed in predetermined positions, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamp assemblies are arranged along the beam element for fixation of small bones, then the fixation capability is improved, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assemblies are pre-configured with engagement features and drivable mechanisms that allow for rapid deployment. The beam element includes pre-positioned engagement features that guide the clamp assemblies into place, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment and adjustment during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drivable clamp assemblies include self-aligning features that automatically position them correctly on the beam element as they are driven into place. The engagement features on the beam element guide the clamps into proper orientation, reducing the need for manual adjustment and speeding up the setup process.
3Productivity
If clamp assemblies are made drivable for rapid translation along the beam element, then the positioning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A driving mechanism serves as an intermediary component that enables rapid translation of the clamp assemblies along the beam element. This driving interface acts as a mediator between the operator's action and the clamp positioning, allowing quick adjustment without requiring complex manual manipulation of each individual clamp assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The drivable clamp assemblies use a standardized driving interface that can accommodate multiple clamp types and configurations along the same beam element. This universal driving mechanism serves multiple functions: it can drive different clamp assemblies, accommodate various bone sizes, and allow both rapid positioning and fine adjustment, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides external bone and tissue fixation systems and related methods. The fixation systems may include an elongate beam element defining an axis with an axially extending threaded track portion. The systems may also include at least one drivable fixation clamp assembly comprising a housing with a central bore, a driving housing rotatably coupled to the housing, a threaded driving member, and a clamp assembly rotatably coupled to the housing configured to clamp to at least one fixation member. The elongate beam element may extend axially through central bore of the housing. The driving member may be movable with respect to the central bore via rotation of the driving housing between engaged and disengaged states with the threaded track portion. Rotation of the driving member in the engaged state may axially translate the clamp assembly along the beam element.