Bone Plate Anti-Torque Plug for Rotationally Stable Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implants and clips fail to provide adequate rotational stability at the interface between bone fragments, which is crucial for successful bone fusion and fracture repair.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate system with integrated anti-torque plugs and clips that resist shear and rotational forces, featuring elongated plugs oriented in-plane with fastener holes and locking screws for secure fixation to bone portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional implants and clips are used for bone fixation, then the fixation structure is simple, but rotational stability at the bone fragment interface is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated implant device that simultaneously provides compression (via the clip), rotational stability (via the anti-torque plug with non-circular cross-section), and structural support (via the bone plate). This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by achieving enhanced rotational stability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the anti-torque feature is integrated into the existing implant structure rather than added as a separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric geometry in the anti-torque plug by giving it a non-circular cross-section (such as rectangular, triangular, or oval). This asymmetric shape prevents rotation of the plug within the bone fragment, thereby providing rotational stability. The asymmetric design directly addresses the rotational stability requirement while maintaining reasonable device complexity through geometric modification rather than complex mechanical structures.
2Force
If implants provide compression across bone fragments, then fracture repair is enabled, but rotational forces remain unresisted
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-torque plug incorporates a non-circular cross-section that asymmetrically engages with the bone fragment, creating mechanical interlocking that resists rotational forces. This asymmetric geometry works in conjunction with the compression force to provide reliable fixation, preventing the plug from rotating while maintaining the compressive load across the bone fragment interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements counter-torque features that oppose and balance rotational forces acting on the bone fragments. The anti-torque plug generates counteracting moments that neutralize the destabilizing rotational effects, working in conjunction with the compression force to achieve stable and reliable fixation during the healing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate system may include a bone plate having a bone-facing side, an obverse side displaced from the bone-facing side by a thickness of the bone plate, a first end, and second end displaced from the first end along a longitudinal length of the bone plate. The bone plate may have a first fastener hole extending through the bone plate between the bone-facing side and the obverse side, a second fastener hole extending through the bone plate between the bone-facing side and the obverse side, and a plug extending outwardly from the bone-facing side. The plug may have a cross-sectional shape, perpendicular to the thickness, that is elongated along the longitudinal length.


