Monolithic Bone Fusing Device with Anti-Rotation Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fusing devices for correcting hammertoe misalignment are complex to manufacture and difficult to maintain in position, often requiring multiple pieces and flexible joints which can lead to post-operative misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece bone fusing device with a straight or angled elongated body and radially extending anti-rotation fins, featuring barbed ends for secure bone insertion and prevention of extraction, designed to facilitate fusion between adjacent phalanges with a drop angle that mimics the natural joint bend, ensuring precise orientation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces and flexible joints are used in bone fusing devices, then the device can accommodate joint curvature, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and difficult to maintain in position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pieces and flexible joints into a single monolithic body that is molded in one piece. This single body includes integrated features for accommodating joint curvature, such as a bend section or curved configuration, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining adaptability to joint geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the device by incorporating a bend section or curved configuration directly into the single body structure. This allows the device to accommodate joint curvature through geometric design rather than through multiple articulated components, simplifying manufacturing and improving positional stability.
2Device complexity
If a single-piece design is used, then manufacturing is simplified and positioning is improved, but the device cannot accommodate joint curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of single-piece manufacturing with the ability to accommodate curvature by integrating a bend section or curved configuration directly into the monolithic body. This allows the device to be manufactured as a single piece while still adapting to the natural curvature of the joint through its geometric design.
3Reliability
If barbs with sharp surfaces are used, then extraction prevention is improved, but insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different surface characteristics on different parts of the barbs. The outer surface includes a sharp portion for cutting into bone tissue to prevent extraction, while the inner surface includes a sloped portion that facilitates smooth insertion. This localized differentiation of surface properties allows the single barb structure to perform both insertion and extraction prevention functions effectively.
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 device provides a stable and long-lasting solution for hammertoe correction by preventing rotation and misalignment, allowing for effective bone fusion with ease of installation and a wide range of sizes to accommodate different patients, made from materials like titanium, stainless steel, or biocompatible plastics for optimal biocompatibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the barbs has a sloped surface for entry into the bone and a sharp surface to prevent extraction once press fit into one of the phalanges
Implementation Method 2
The middle portion having four radially extending anti-rotation fins
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fusing device to connect and facilitate fusion between two adjacent phalanges in a body has a single elongated body having a first distal end and a second proximal end connected by a middle portion having four radially extending anti-rotation fins. Each end has a bone entry tip and a plurality of adjacent barbs. Each of the barbs has a sloped surface for entry into the bone and a sharp surface to prevent extraction once press fit into one of the phalanges. Preferably, the first distal end is shorter than the second proximal end. The elongated body is straight or has affixed bend at a location in the middle portion.