External Bone Fixator Multi-Clamp With Tool-Free Torque Knobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixators face issues with imprecise clamping due to a fixed degree of tightness and the risk of loosening, particularly in austere environments where tools for tightening are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A multi-clamp apparatus with ergonomically designed torque amplifying knobs that allow hand-operated clamping and unclamping of bone pins, featuring collapsible turn levers and a screw mechanism for precise control without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed degree of tightness is used in clamps, then the clamp structure is simple, but the clamping precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a fixed tightness design to a dynamic adjustable tightness design. The turn lever mechanism allows the clamp to be adjusted between multiple tightness positions (first, second, and third positions), enabling the clamping force to be dynamically adapted to different bone pin sizes and stabilization requirements, thereby improving clamping precision without excessive structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a collapsible handle with cam mechanism is used, then the clamp can be secured, but the risk of loosening and loss of stability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a self-locking mechanism through the turn lever and slot interaction. When the turn lever is rotated to a desired position, it engages with the slot to automatically maintain the clamping force without requiring continuous external input or risk of accidental loosening. The mechanism uses the geometry of the slot and lever to inherently prevent back-l loosening, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If progressive tightening with compressive screw is used, then clamping precision is improved, but tool requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of progressive tightening from the traditional compressive screw mechanism and implements it through a simplified turn lever and slot system. The turn lever rotates within the slot to provide incremental clamping adjustment without requiring the complex threaded geometry of a traditional screw, thereby achieving progressive tightening with reduced device complexity and no tool requirement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamps are used for different bone pins, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can accommodate different bone pin sizes and types through its adjustable turn lever mechanism. The slot geometry and lever design allow the same clamp to securely hold various pin diameters by adjusting the lever position, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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 secure and adjustable clamping of bone pins, maintaining stability even in austere conditions, ensuring effective fracture stabilization and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp apparatus includes a screw mechanism that converts rotational movement of the torque amplifying knobs into linear movement of the clamp arms, enabling precise and controlled clamping of bone pins
Implementation Method 2
Torque amplifying knobs with collapsible turn levers provide mechanical advantage to amplify the applied force during hand-operated clamping, allowing secure clamping without requiring excessive manual force
Implementation Method 3
A collapsible handle with cam mechanism is employed to selectively either secure or unsecure the frame rod and/or bone pin in the first and second clamps
Implementation Method 4
The opposing surfaces of the clamp arms are designed to engage bone pins through friction, preventing accidental loosening while maintaining stable clamping under various loading conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a multi-clamp apparatus for an orthopedic exterior fixator are disclosed. One embodiment of the multi-clamp apparatus has two clamp arms, each having a plurality of opposing crescentic channels that, when pressed together, are of a length, size, and shape to engage and secure a plurality of bone pins. An outrigger bar extends from each of the clamp arms for attachment of fixator components. Each clamp arm has a collapsible torque amplifying knob that can be hand operated and that causes relative movement of the two clamp arms for concurrently clamping and unclamping multiple bone pins when rotational force is applied to one or both of the knobs. The turn levers of each knob can be collapsed in a generally mating, side-by-side arrangement. The turn levers of the knobs are ergonomically designed so that the knobs can be hand operated, without tools, in the collapsed and un-collapsed configurations.