Bone Implant Inserter with Elastic Fastening Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone fixation systems require additional manipulation after inserter removal, which can complicate the placement and positioning of implants, and often interfere with the final seating of the implant on the bone.

Innovation Solution

A fixation system comprising a fastening device with elastic properties or shape memory, combined with an inserter that pre-assembles with the implant to facilitate placement and maintains the implant in a specific configuration during insertion, allowing for easy transition to its final configuration without additional manipulation post-inserter removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the implant is pre-assembled to the inserter to facilitate placement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implant placementVSAvoidcomplexity of inserter-implant assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is pre-assembled to the inserter in a first configuration before insertion, facilitating easier placement into the bone. The inserter holds the implant in this preliminary configuration, and after insertion, the implant is manipulated to transition to its final second configuration, eliminating the need for additional manipulation steps after inserter removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing it to transition from a first configuration (when attached to the inserter) to a second configuration (after inserter removal). This dynamic shape change enables the implant to adapt to different operational phases: insertion in the first configuration and final positioning in the second configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the implant is designed with multiple configurations to achieve compression or distraction, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to achieve compression or distractionVSAvoidprecision of implant configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The implant utilizes material properties such as elastic properties or shape memory to enable transition between different configurations. These parameter changes in the material allow the implant to achieve compression or distraction effects while maintaining manufacturability, as the material inherently supports the required shape transformations without demanding extreme manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise and efficient placement of the implant with minimal interference from the inserter, ensuring accurate positioning and reducing the need for secondary seating or manipulation, while allowing for multiple configurations to achieve desired compression or distraction across bone segments.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening device has elastic properties or other material properties that allow the device to have at least two configurations or configurable to various positions placed on the bone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic properties: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The ability of the implant to have multiple configurations may be a result of the material properties that have shape memory or super elastic properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 3

The ability of the implant to have multiple configurations may be a result of the material properties that have shape memory or super elastic properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuper elastic properties: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3653152B1Bone implant and means of insertion
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 CROSSROADS EXTREMITY SYSTEMS LLC
  • EP3653152B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP3653152B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3653152B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An assembly used in osteosynthesis comprising a delivery instrument in combination with an implant wherein the delivery instrument releasably holds the implant in a first configuration prior to attachment of the implant to bone. The delivery instrument allows the implant to be affixed to bone before the implant is released from the instrument. And the instrument may comprise guide means for drills, depth gauges, screws, pins, pegs, blades and or drivers which are used or implanted when the implant is releasably attached to the instrument. After the implant is affixed to bone and released from the delivery instrument, the implant assumes at least a second configuration which provides compression and or distraction and or control of special orientation.