Bone Retention Apparatus with Deflectable Locking Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone retention apparatuses lack the ability to adjust and securely lock the position of bone connectors relative to a housing in a variety of anatomical configurations, limiting their versatility and stability in spinal fixation applications.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable apparatus with a movable connector and a deflectable locking member that allows for multiple positional adjustments and secure locking of the connector relative to the housing, utilizing a clamping mechanism to prevent movement between the rod, housing, and connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connector position is used in existing bone retention apparatuses, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to various anatomical configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is made movable relative to the housing along the rod, allowing dynamic adjustment to different positions. The locking member enables the connector to be locked at any desired position, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through a single adjustable component rather than multiple fixed parts
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into separable components: the housing, the connector, and the locking member. This segmentation allows the connector to be independently positioned and locked, providing versatility without requiring complex integrated structures
2Reliability
If a movable connector without locking mechanism is used, then the ease of adjustment is high, but the stability of bone retention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is deflectable by hand and engages automatically with the connector to lock it in position. The system is self-locking without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring stable bone retention through the locking engagement
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate apparatuses are used to accommodate various anatomical configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single apparatus design with a movable and lockable connector can accommodate multiple anatomical configurations by adjusting the connector position along the rod. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized apparatuses, reducing the quantity of parts while maintaining versatility
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 apparatus provides a versatile solution for retaining bones in desired spatial relationships by allowing precise adjustment and secure locking, accommodating various anatomical configurations and reducing the need for multiple parts, while ensuring stability and ease of adjustment in spinal fixation applications.
Implementation Method 1
A locking member is deflectable between a first condition for allowing relative movement between the connector and the housing and a second condition engaging the connector to hold the connector in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (20) for use in retaining bone in a desired spatial relationship includes a rod (22) and a housing (26) that has a passage (24) through which the rod (22) extends along an axis (29). A connector (42) extends from the housing (26) and engages a bone. The connector (42) is movable relative to the housing (26) into any one of a plurality of positions. A locking member (68) is deflectable between a first condition for allowing relative movement between the connector (42) and the housing (26) and a second condition engaging the connector (42) to hold the connector (42) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the housing (26).