Bone Fixation Retaining Mechanism Prevents Fastener Backing Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for affixing a stratum to bone lack effective mechanisms to prevent inadvertent backing out of fasteners after insertion, leading to instability and potential complications in applications such as spinal fixation.
Innovation Solution
A retaining mechanism featuring a stratum with holes for fasteners and a spring element that moves perpendicular to the fastener's axis, allowing the fastener to be inserted and then secured in place by a retaining element that overlaps the hole, utilizing a cam and spring mechanism to maintain the fastener's position and prevent backing out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple fastener system is used to affix stratum to bone, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing inadvertent fastener removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional components: a fastener element for insertion, a retaining element with cam mechanism for locking, and a spring element for maintaining retention force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while collectively providing secure fastener retention without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element incorporates a cam mechanism that can be dynamically actuated from an inserted position to a retained position. The spring element provides dynamic force to maintain the retaining element in the locked position. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition from simple insertion to secure retention, solving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If a retaining mechanism with cam and spring is added to prevent fastener backing out, then the reliability of fastener retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element and cam mechanism are merged into a single integrated component that performs both retention and locking functions. The spring element is combined with the retaining element to form a pre-loaded retention system. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining high reliability through the cam-locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded to automatically exert retaining force on the fastener once inserted. The cam mechanism is designed to self-lock in the retained position, maintaining fastener security without requiring active control or additional power sources. This self-service capability provides reliable retention while minimizing mechanism complexity.
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 mechanism effectively secures fasteners to the bone, preventing inadvertent removal and enhancing the stability of the stratum attachment, thereby improving the reliability and safety of bone fixation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element configured to engage the stratum, configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the hole when the retaining element moves between its first and second positions, and configured to engage the retaining element such that the spring element helps maintain the retaining element in its second position
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the two surfaces. The hole has a central longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the two surfaces. The retaining element comprises a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole, a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole, and a spring element. The spring element is configured to engage the stratum, configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the hole when the retaining element moves between its first and second positions, and configured to engage the retaining element to help maintain the retaining element in its second position to help prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after it has been fully inserted into the hole.