Modular Bone Plate Aiming Block for Minimally Invasive Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional targeting guides for bone plates are bulky, obstructive, and require multiple points of connection, making them unsuitable for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A targeting guide system comprising an aiming arm, targeting block, and handle that allows for a single connection point with the bone plate, featuring a low-profile design and outrigger for improved access and visibility, with removable components for customizable alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional targeting guides are used to provide coverage for the entire bone plate, then alignment precision is improved, but the device becomes bulky and obstructs the view of operators
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting guide is divided into separate modular components: a handle that attaches to the bone plate, an aiming arm that can be positioned independently, and a targeting block that provides the alignment references. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The aiming arm extends perpendicular to the bone plate surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth) rather than expanding laterally. This vertical positioning allows the targeting block to hover above the bone plate without increasing the lateral footprint, thus improving visibility while maintaining alignment capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional targeting guides are used to ensure proper screw alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device requires multiple points of connection increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple alignment functions are merged into a single targeting block that contains multiple apertures corresponding to different screw holes. Instead of requiring separate guides for each screw, the unified targeting block provides all alignment references from a single attachment point on the bone plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides alignment references for multiple screws, maintains proper spacing, ensures correct angular orientation, and can be attached to various bone plate configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Measurement precision
If traditional targeting guides are used for bone plate alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the device obstructs the surgical field reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming arm and targeting block use thin, minimally invasive structures that provide necessary alignment references without creating bulky obstructions. The thin-profile design allows surgical instruments and the operator's view to pass underneath the targeting components.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the targeting block above the bone plate in the vertical dimension rather than spreading it out laterally, the design maintains alignment accuracy while preserving lateral visibility and access to the surgical field.
Data Source
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AI summary
A targeting guide system for aligning a bone plate includes an aiming arm having an attachment portion extending from a proximal end thereof and a plurality of arm holes extending through an upper and lower side of the aiming arm; a targeting block defining a connection hole and a plurality of block holes extending through an upper and lower surface of the targeting block; a bone plate including a head portion and a shaft portion, each of the head and shaft portions having a plurality of holes extending therethrough that substantially align with corresponding holes of the plurality of arm holes and block holes; and a handle operatively connectable with a handle hole in the bone plate, an opening in the attachment portion of the aiming arm, and the connection hole in the targeting block.