Bone Fixation Plate with Frustoconical Annuli for Adjustable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation and fusion technologies face challenges in providing a secure and flexible solution for bridging bone fractures or joint dislocations, particularly in achieving stable anatomical positioning and promoting effective healing.
Innovation Solution
A plate and screw apparatus with trapezoidal and circular bores, annuli, and screws that utilize textured surfaces and tapered designs to create a snug friction fit, allowing for adjustable placement and orientation across a 360-degree circumference, facilitating bone alignment and stabilization through a combination of mechanical and frictional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bone fixation apparatuses are used, then bone fractures can be fixed, but the flexibility and adjustability in positioning and orientation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a fixed state to a movable state during installation. The frustoconical inner surface allows the fastener to be inserted and positioned freely, then locks into place when the fastener's frustoconical outer surface engages with the inner surface, creating a dynamically adjustable yet stable connection that accommodates various positioning and orientation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into separate components (plate with bore, fastener, and annulus) that can be independently positioned and oriented. The frustoconical interfaces between these segments allow for adjustable alignment while maintaining secure connection, enabling flexibility in positioning without requiring a monolithic complex structure
2Reliability
If secure bone fixation is achieved, then stability is improved, but the ability to adjust placement and orientation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frustoconical surfaces are pre-configured with specific taper angles that guide the fastener into proper alignment as it is inserted. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that adjustment is easiest during the insertion phase, before final locking occurs, allowing surgeons to achieve optimal positioning while maintaining subsequent stability
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical geometry provides a range of acceptable insertion angles and positions during the adjustment phase, then transitions to a fixed parameter state when locked. The taper angle and friction characteristics allow parameter variation during installation for adjustability, then lock to maintain stable fixed parameters during healing
3Ease of operation
If friction fit is used for locking, then adjustability is improved, but the locking strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism combines friction (from contact between frustoconical surfaces) with mechanical interlocking (from the geometry of the engaged surfaces). This composite approach provides both adjustability during insertion through friction-based sliding and strong final locking through geometric interlocking, preventing either friction or mechanical strength from being compromised
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 apparatus enhances the flexibility and stability of bone fixation, enabling secure alignment and healing of fractures or dislocations across various anatomical positions, while reducing the risk of future injuries by providing a secure and adjustable locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The interior surface of the annulus and the exterior surface of the bore may each be machined to a heavy texture to enhance the friction fit between component elements
Implementation Method 2
the tapered head portion may be blended into the body portion... the tip portion may include a plurality of threads suitable for biting into or otherwise engaging the bone
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a plate having at least a first aperture and a second aperture, and at least a first annulus adaptable to be disposed within the first aperture and at least a second annulus adaptable to be disposed within the second aperture. Further provided is at least a first screw adaptable to be disposed within the first annulus and at least a second screw adaptable to be disposed within the second annulus, wherein the first and second screws are each engageable with its respective first and second annulus.