Bone Fragment Fixation Device with Sliding Securing Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone fracture fixation methods using bone nails or screws are insufficient to counteract rotational forces, leading to potential redislocation and tilting of bone fragments, particularly in vertical femoral neck fractures, which can hinder healing.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising at least three fixation means with a securing plate and a tilting preventing means, allowing sliding movement to absorb rotational forces and prevent tilting, ensuring the fixation means remain stable and secure without affecting the angular position of the bone fragments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixation means (bone screws/nails) are used to fix bone fragments, then the bone fragments are held in position, but they are insufficient to counteract rotational forces causing redislocation and tilting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of bone fragment fixationVSAvoidrotational forces on bone fragments

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the fixation system into multiple functional components: at least three fixation means for primary stabilization, a securing plate for angular position control, and tilting preventing means for counteracting specific rotational forces. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the rotational force problem independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates tilting preventing means and a designed sliding mechanism that allows controlled movement before failure occurs. The sliding mechanism between the securing plate and outer bone fragment prevents sudden redislocation by allowing gradual adjustment, cushioning the impact of rotational forces before they cause harmful redislocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If fixation means are locked rigidly to prevent movement, then angular position is maintained, but rotational forces cannot be absorbed leading to screw loosening and fixation failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidrotational forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic element through the sliding mechanism between the securing plate and the outer bone fragment. This allows the fixation system to adapt its rigidity: maintaining stable angular position through the locked fixation means while allowing controlled sliding movement to absorb rotational forces, preventing overload and screw loosening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the mechanical parameter of rigidity from fixed to variable. The fixation means maintain constant angular position (rigid), while the sliding mechanism between the securing plate and bone fragment allows dynamic adjustment, changing the effective rigidity to absorb rotational forces without compromising overall fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the securing plate is fixed rigidly to the outer bone fragment, then angular position is controlled, but tilting forces cause device failure and redislocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position controlVSAvoidtilting forces on outer bone fragment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing plate is designed with a sliding mechanism that transforms it from a purely rigid structure to a dynamic component. It maintains angular position control through its locked connection to the fixation means while allowing sliding movement relative to the outer bone fragment to absorb tilting forces, preventing device failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the securing plate and the outer bone fragment. It mediates the transmission of tilting forces, allowing the securing plate to maintain angular control while the sliding interface absorbs the harmful tilting forces through controlled movement, protecting the overall fixation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11602382B2Device for fixation of bone fragments

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 SWEMAC INNOVATION

AI summary

A device for fixation of inner and outer bone fragments comprises at least three fixation means (5), at least one tilting preventing means (6) and a securing plate (7). The fixation means (5) are configured to allow, during secondary compression of the inner and outer bone fragments (2, 3), a sliding movement of the fixation means and said outer bone fragment relative to one another and thereby an interruption of an engagement of the securing plate (7) with the outer bone fragment (3) without affecting the angular position of the fixation means relative to the securing plate and relative to one another. The tilting preventing means (6) is configured to allow, during said secondary compression, a sliding movement of the at least one tilting preventing means and said outer bone fragment (3) relative to one another and thereby an interruption of the engagement of the securing plate (7) with the outer bone fragment. The tilting preventing means (6) is also configured to prevent or counteract tilting of the device.