Bone Staple with Deformable Connector for Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression staples for bone fusion have a large lateral profile when fully expanded, which may not provide optimal stability and precision in securing bone regions together.
Innovation Solution
A bone staple design featuring a staple body with a deformable connector section that changes configuration from a first distance to a second, closer distance upon compression, allowing for precise alignment and fusion of bone regions, utilizing a deformable region such as a square or oval ring shape to facilitate this adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the diamond shaped region is expanded to pull bone regions together, then the compression force is improved, but the lateral profile becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The connector section is divided into a deformable region and non-deformable regions, allowing the deformable region to compress while the non-deformable regions maintain structural integrity and provide attachment points for bone regions
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable region transitions from a two-dimensional expanded configuration to a compressed three-dimensional state, reducing lateral profile while maintaining compression capability through vertical deformation
2Volume of moving object
If the deformable region is compressed to reduce lateral profile, then the compactness is improved, but the ease of operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector section has differentiated properties with a deformable region designed for compression and non-deformable regions designed for structural support, allowing localized deformation without compromising overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable region is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow easy compression through its natural deformation properties, transitioning smoothly between expanded and compressed states under applied force
3Ease of operation
If the leg sections are spaced apart to allow insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the stability during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector section is segmented into deformable and non-deformable regions, where non-deformable regions provide structural stability during insertion while the deformable region allows the necessary spacing for bone region accommodation
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable region is pre-configured in an expanded state that facilitates easy insertion of leg sections into bone regions, before compression is applied to achieve the final stabilized configuration
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
Enables precise and stable fusion of bone regions with a reduced lateral profile, allowing for effective immobilization and healing of fractures or joints, with adjustable compression to suit various anatomical needs.
Implementation Method 1
compression of the deformable region causes the deformable region to move from the first configuration to the second configuration
Implementation Method 2
The connector section includes a deformable region that is movable from a first configuration... compression of the deformable region causes the deformable region to move
Data Source
AI summary
A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region (12A). The second leg section (20) is insertable into the second bone region (12B). The connector section (22) connects the first leg section (18) to the second leg section (20). The connector section (22) includes a deformable region (22A) that is movable from a first configuration (14A) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a first distance (24) and a second configuration (14B) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a second distance (26) that is less than the first distance (24). In one embodiment, compression of the deformable region (22A) causes the deformable region (22A) to move from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B). As a result of this design, the bone staple (10) can easily be moved from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B). The deformable region (22A) can be substantially square ring shaped and can define a region aperture (22D) that is substantially square in the first configuration (14A). Further, the deformable region (22A) can be substantially oval ring shaped and the region aperture (22D) can be generally rectangular shaped in the second configuration (14B).