Superelastic Clip Clamp with Angle Limit Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superelastic osteosynthesis clips used in bone osteosynthesis experience variable compression force over time, making it difficult to maintain a constant pressure between bone portions, as the flanges tend to close prematurely, reducing the compression force significantly.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with adjustable limit stops to prevent over-opening and over-closing of the clip's flanges, ensuring a consistent angle of 90° between the flanges and the web, allowing for controlled deformation and stable compression force, using a combination of physical protuberances and elastic return mechanisms to maintain the flanges in an over-opened position and prevent premature closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the flanges of the superelastic clip are allowed to close naturally after insertion, then the clip structure returns to its original state, but the compression force between the bone portions drops substantially by half
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp applies preliminary action by over-opening the flanges beyond their natural closed position before insertion. This preliminary deformation stores elastic energy in the superelastic material, ensuring that when the clip is inserted and the flanges naturally close, they maintain a controlled angle relative to the web that preserves compression force rather than allowing it to drop by half.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the flange angle relative to the web through controlled over-opening. By adjusting this angle parameter beyond the natural closed state, the clip maintains optimal compression force characteristics during bone healing, resolving the contradiction between structural return and force stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the flanges are over-opened too much during clamping, then the clip may be damaged or deformed excessively, but insufficient over-opening fails to maintain constant compression force
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates beforehand cushioning through limit stops that prevent excessive over-opening of the flanges. These mechanical stops cushion against over-deformation by physically limiting the maximum opening angle, ensuring the clip maintains constant compression force without risking structural damage from excessive force application.
3Ease of operation
If a clamp without limit stops is used, then the operation is simpler, but the compression force varies over time as the flanges close prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp implements self-service through automatic limit stops that self-regulate the flange opening angle without requiring complex external control systems. The mechanical stops automatically prevent over-opening and maintain the flanges at the optimal angle, providing constant compression force while keeping the operation simple and intuitive for the surgeon.
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 clamp ensures a stable and consistent compression force over time, facilitating bone healing by maintaining optimal pressure between bone portions, and can be adapted for various clip sizes and types, preventing excessive force fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
superelastic clips that are made of a shape-memory alloy obtained when martensite is created by deformation of their initial austenitic structure
Implementation Method 2
a second means for preventing the jaws from being closed in order to prevent the clip from closing beyond a point at which the angle between the flanges and the web is substantially 90°
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp has two arms with gripping jaws for supporting and positioning a superelastic osteosynthesis clip, The osteosynthesis clip comprising a web from which two flanges to be inserted into two portions of bone emerge. The clamp also has a component for preventing the jaws from being opened beyond a point at which the angle between the flanges of a clamp supported clip is greater than 90°; and a second component for preventing the jaws from being closed beyond a point at which the angle between the flanges and the web is substantially 90°.