Orthopedic Bone Plate Wedge Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic bone plate systems face challenges in securely stabilizing bone fragments post-osteotomy, particularly in maintaining proper alignment and preventing backing out of the securing mechanism, which can impede healing and lead to complications such as gapping and pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
The orthopedic bone plate design features a body with lobes and a securing mechanism that includes a base portion with opposing extension members and wedges, allowing for secure attachment to bone fragments, with the mechanism being angled to engage the cortical wall and prevent backing out, while also accommodating soft tissue and facilitating bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bone plate securing mechanism is used, then the bone fragments can be stabilized, but the securing mechanism may back out and cause gapping or pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is inverted from a traditional screw-thread design to a wedge-shaped design that engages with the cortical wall. The wedge shape with opposing extension members allows the mechanism to be driven into the bone and locked in place by the expansion force, preventing backout and eliminating gapping or pressure issues between bone fragments.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism features asymmetric wedge-shaped extension members with specific angular orientations. The opposing extension members are angled to engage the cortical wall at optimized angles, creating asymmetric force distribution that locks the mechanism in place and prevents backing out while maintaining bone fragment alignment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the securing mechanism is designed to engage the cortical wall, then bone fragment alignment is maintained, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a base portion that interfaces with the bone plate, and opposing extension members that engage the cortical wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional plate interface to a three-dimensional wedge-shaped engagement with the cortical wall. The opposing extension members project in opposite directions to engage the cortical wall, adding a dimensional aspect that provides mechanical interlocking and stabilizes bone fragment alignment.
3Strength
If the bone plate includes lobes and securing mechanism, then fixation strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate design merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the lobes provide both structural strength and attachment points for soft tissues, while the securing mechanism with opposing extension members combines stabilization and alignment functions. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate with lobes and securing mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: the lobes provide structural reinforcement and soft tissue attachment, while the securing mechanism with opposing extension members provides both stabilization and alignment of bone fragments. This multi-functionality improves fixation strength without requiring additional separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention discloses an orthopedic bone plate and locking tab apparatus and method of use. The orthopedic plate includes a body with a first end, a second end, and a central portion extending between the first end and the second end, a first pair of lobes at the first end, a second pair of lobes at the second end, and a securing mechanism extending away from a bottom surface of the central portion. The securing mechanism includes a base portion projecting from the body portion of the bone plate and two opposing extension members projecting from the base portion. A method for inserting the bone plate is also disclosed.