Bone Joining Device with Bendable Connector and Spring Collet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone joining technologies for conditions like hammertoe deformity are limited in their ability to effectively fuse bones without causing additional complications, particularly in flexible deformities that become fixed over time, requiring more invasive procedures such as PIP fusion or joint replacement.
Innovation Solution
A bone joining device comprising a female and male component with a connector that allows for adjustable angular positioning, featuring a spiraling thread for self-tapping and self-threading, and a spring collet mechanism for secure locking, enabling fusion of cut bone surfaces, including vertebrae and toe joints, with optional bending for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone joining methods are used for flexible deformities, then the procedure can be less invasive, but the ability to achieve secure fusion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate male and female components that can be independently inserted into bone pieces, then connected through a connector system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions (insertion, connection, locking) while maintaining overall structural integrity for secure fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to fit within a cavity in the female component, creating a nested structure where the connector shaft is received inside the cavity wall. This nesting provides secure mechanical interlocking while maintaining a compact overall device profile suitable for bone fusion applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed angle connectors are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to align with natural flexion angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with bendable capabilities, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted to different angular positions during implantation. This dynamic flexibility enables the device to adapt to natural flexion angles of bones while maintaining structural integrity through the spring collet locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's angular parameter can be changed during the implantation process by bending it to the desired angle before insertion. This parameter adjustment allows customization for different anatomical configurations while the spring collet mechanism maintains the selected angle through mechanical locking.
3Ease of operation
If self-tapping threads are used, then the insertion process is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female components are equipped with self-tapping and self-threading capabilities, allowing them to create their own engagement threads during insertion without requiring pre-threaded holes. This self-service feature simplifies the insertion process while the precision is maintained through controlled thread geometry in the component design.
4Reliability
If spring collet locking mechanism is used, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring collet acts as an intermediary locking element between the connector shaft and the cavity wall. This spring-based intermediary provides secure mechanical interlocking through elastic deformation and friction, achieving reliable connection security while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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 facilitates secure and adjustable bone fusion, reducing the need for invasive procedures and providing stability for conditions like hammertoe deformity, while allowing for adjustable positioning to align with natural flexion angles, thus enhancing treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The connector and the second elongated stem portion are a single piece and are capable of being bent to a desired angle
Implementation Method 2
featuring a spiraling thread for self-tapping and self-threading
Implementation Method 3
a spring collet mechanism for secure locking
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
Provided is a bone joining device suitable for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece, comprising a female component and a male component having a connector.