Cannulated Bone Fixation Tool Internal Cable Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation techniques using cables often result in undesirable bulges and displacement of soft tissue due to external crimping, especially in areas with minimal soft tissue surrounding the bones.
Innovation Solution
A cannulated tool with a screw driving feature, anti-rotation feature, and cable tensioning mechanism that allows for internal crimping of cables, preventing rotation of the receptacle relative to the bone and maintaining tension without external bulging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external crimping is used to secure cables to bones, then cable fixation is achieved, but soft tissue displacement and bulging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional external crimping approach by implementing internal crimping. The crimping mechanism is positioned inside the bone rather than outside, allowing the cable to be secured from the interior. This inversion eliminates the need for external crimping components that cause soft tissue bulging while maintaining effective cable fixation through internal engagement with the bone structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the crimping mechanism is contained within the bone cavity. The cable passes through a guide channel formed in the bone, and the crimping tool is inserted through the same channel to perform internal crimping. This nesting approach allows all fixation components to be contained within the bone's natural structure, avoiding external protrusions that would displace soft tissue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If internal crimping is implemented, then soft tissue displacement is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannulated tool serves multiple functions: it acts as both the guide channel for cable insertion and the crimping mechanism. The tool's cylindrical body guides the cable through the bone, while its distal end features a crimping structure that secures the cable internally. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device despite the sophisticated internal crimping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guide function and crimping function into a single integrated tool. The guide channel and crimping mechanism are combined in one component that is inserted through the bone. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate guiding and crimping tools, while still achieving the beneficial internal crimping effect that prevents soft tissue displacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cannulated tool through which a cable is passable. The cannulated tool comprises a body. The cannulated tool also comprises a screw driving feature, rotatable relative to the body. The cannulated tool further comprises an anti-rotation feature, rotatable relative to the screw driving feature. The cannulated tool additionally comprises a cable tensioning feature, configured to tension the cable when passed through the cannulated tool.