Bone Fixation Device with Adjustable Snap-Latch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixation devices for soft tissues like ligaments or tendons to bones do not allow for quick fixation or precise adjustment of tensile force, limiting surgical efficiency in orthopedic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device comprising an anchoring member with primary and secondary snap-fastening means, a hook member, and a traction element that allows for adjustable tensile force application, enabling quick and precise attachment of soft tissues to bones without protruding from the bone hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixation device is designed to quickly fix soft tissue to bone, then the fixation speed is improved, but the ability to precisely adjust tensile force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device incorporates multiple latching positions (at least two spaced apart along the direction of traction) that allow dynamic adjustment of the attachment element's position. This enables the surgeon to select different latching positions to precisely adjust tensile force while maintaining quick fixation through simple selective engagement of these positions
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the positional parameter of the attachment element relative to the anchoring member by engaging different latching positions. This parameter change directly controls the tensile force applied to the soft tissue, allowing precise adjustment without compromising fixation speed
2Device complexity
If the fixation device components are made compact to fit entirely in the bone hole, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into distinct functional components: an anchoring member with primary latching means, an attachment element with secondary latching means, a hook member, and a traction element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness for insertion into the bone hole
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment element, hook member, and traction element are nested within or alongside the anchoring member's cavity structure. The secondary latching means on the attachment element engage with the primary latching means on the anchoring member, creating a nested configuration that minimizes the overall device footprint while maintaining ease of operation through sequential engagement
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
Enables rapid and precise fixation of soft tissues to bones with adjustable tensile force, facilitating efficient surgical procedures and strong anchorage, even in large bones.
Implementation Method 1
the secondary snap-fastening means and the primary snap-fastening means being configured to mutually cooperate by deformation elastic so as to immobilize the attachment element with respect to the anchoring member selectively along at least two, preferably along at least three, latching positions spaced apart along the direction of traction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
This fixation device (1) comprises a bone-anchoring member (4) with a cavity (6) and primary engagement means, a fastening element (20) for the soft tissue, a traction element (22), and secondary engagement means for immobilizing the fastening element (20) on the anchoring member (4) in two or more spaced-apart engagement positions.