Bone Plate Insert With Resilient Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable orthopedic devices with load-bearing elements, such as bone plates, are limited to specific types of screw attachments, either mono-axial or poly-axial, which restrict the versatility of screw insertion angles and stability.
Innovation Solution
An implantable orthopedic device with a bone plate featuring elongated apertures and inserts with angled threaded bores and resilient locking surfaces, allowing for secure fixation of screws at various defined angles, enabling both mono-axial and poly-axial attachments with a kit of inserts providing multiple angular options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bone plate with standard apertures is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the screw attachment is limited to specific types (mono-axial or poly-axial) with restricted insertion angles
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is segmented into functional components: standard apertures for structural integrity and inserts for angular versatility. Each insert can be independently selected and inserted to provide specific angular orientations (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°), allowing the bone plate to adapt to different surgical requirements without redesigning the entire plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert design provides multi-functionality by enabling both mono-axial and poly-axial screw attachments within a single bone plate system. The inserts can be configured with threaded bores at various angles, allowing the same bone plate to accommodate different screw insertion angles and attachment types, thus serving multiple functions without requiring multiple specialized plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inserts with angled threaded bores are used, then multiple screw insertion angles are enabled, but the insert must be securely locked in the aperture to maintain defined angular position
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with a resilient extension that preliminarily engages with a locking surface in the aperture before final insertion. This resilient extension automatically locks the insert at the predefined angular position, ensuring stability without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The locking action is built into the insert design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert performs self-locking through its resilient extension that automatically engages with the locking surface in the aperture. Once inserted, the resilient extension maintains the defined angular position through its own elastic properties, without requiring external locking mechanisms or additional components. The insert serves its own locking function.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient extension is used to lock the insert, then automatic secure fixing is achieved during insertion, but the insert outer surface must have specific resilient features
Solution Approach 1:
The insert utilizes parameter changes in the resilient extension material properties to achieve automatic locking. The resilient extension is made from elastomeric material with specific durometer values (e.g., 40-70 Shore A) that allow it to deform during insertion and then maintain engagement with the locking surface. This material parameter selection enables the locking function without complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert combines rigid materials for the main body (providing structural integrity and angular precision) with elastomeric resilient extension material (providing locking capability). This composite approach allows different parts of the insert to have optimized properties: the body provides precise angular orientation while the resilient extension provides automatic locking through elastic deformation.
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
This solution provides a bone plate that can securely orient bone screws at multiple defined angles, enhancing surgical flexibility and stability, allowing for a variety of attachment types and angles, which is not possible with existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
the insert outer surface has a resilient extension for engaging the locking surface. Thus, the insert may be inserted into the aperture from a top surface of the plate with a resilient extension engaging the locking surface in the aperture thereby resiliently coupling the plate in the insert
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable orthopedic device having a load-bearing element, such as a bone plate, with at least one opening for a fixation element and one insert which can be inserted in an inclined opening in a receptacle in the bore. This insert has an external form that is at least partially complementary to the internal form of the receptacle and a central through-bore for receiving the body of the fixation element such as a bone screw. The insert also provides a locking system for holding the insert in the receptacle, in which the insert exhibits at least one locking mechanism with which conformal locking with the load-bearing element may be achieved.