Bone Fixation System with Tapered Frictional Interconnect
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in effectively coupling and securing bone segments together, particularly in cases where bones are damaged or out of alignment, requiring a method that ensures anatomical alignment while allowing for some movement.
Innovation Solution
A fixation system comprising a first and second fixation element, each with a tapered cavity, and an interconnect with tapered protrusions that form a frictional connection, allowing for secure coupling and adjustable positioning of bone segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixation system uses a frictional connection with tapered surfaces, then the coupling strength and stability of bone segments is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise tapered mating surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tapered cylindrical surfaces instead of spherical joints, providing a balance between rotational freedom and positional stability. The tapered geometry creates a conical friction interface that maintains bone segment alignment while allowing controlled movement, resolving the contradiction between stability and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system utilizes frictional forces generated by tapered surface contact, where the normal force and friction coefficient are adjusted through the taper angle and insertion depth. This parameter-based approach achieves stable coupling without complex mechanical interlocking structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixation system allows for movement between bone segments, then the adaptability to anatomical variations is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for maintaining proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered cylindrical design inherently provides self-alignment through its geometry, where the conical friction surface guides the bone segments into proper orientation. This geometric constraint reduces the need for high-precision manufacturing while maintaining adaptability to anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system uses the bone segments themselves as alignment references, with the tapered surfaces automatically orienting the components during insertion. The frictional connection self-adjusts to maintain proper anatomical alignment without requiring pre-machined precision alignment features.
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 fixation system provides a secure, frictional connection that maintains anatomical alignment of bone segments while allowing for some movement, making it suitable for various bone fixation applications.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional forces between the tapered surfaces form a frictional connection which generally locks the position of the first and second fixation elements together with respect to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation system for coupling a first and a second portion of bone together. The fixation system includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an interconnect. The first fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the first portion of bone and a first tapered mating surface. The second fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the second portion of bone and a second tapered mating surface. The interconnect includes a first and a second tapered surface disposed at generally opposite ends. The first and the second tapered surfaces are configured to frictionally engage the first and the second tapered mating surfaces of the first and the second element, respectively, to form frictional interference connections therebetween.