Collapsible Rib Fixation Clips for Variable Bone Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rib fixation systems face challenges in providing a customizable and reliable fit for varying rib sizes and shapes, leading to inefficiencies in clip installation and increased risk of fastener pull-out due to the need for extensive clip sets and precise measurement during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation system featuring collapsible clips with adjustable mounting portions and a tool-assisted installation method, allowing for customizable fitting and secure attachment to ribs of different sizes and shapes without the need for extensive measurement, using a system with collapsible clip members and a tool that facilitates precise alignment and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-size clips are used for rib fixation, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the system cannot accommodate varying rib sizes and shapes, requiring extensive clip sets and precise measurement during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The clip members are designed with collapsible portions that allow them to change shape and size dynamically during installation. The clips can be compressed from an expanded state to a collapsed state, enabling a single clip design to adapt to multiple rib sizes and shapes without requiring extensive clip sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the clip members (specifically their dimensional size and shape) are changed during the installation process through compression. This parameter change allows the same clip to fit different rib dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size clips.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement-based installation is used, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clip members perform self-positioning through their collapsible mechanism. The clips naturally conform to the rib surface and self-align during compression, eliminating the need for extensive measurement and precise positioning by the surgeon, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic collapsing action allows the clips to automatically adjust their position and orientation during installation, reducing the need for pre-measurement and manual positioning adjustments.
3Reliability
If standard fasteners are used with fixed clips, then the fastening mechanism is simple, but the fasteners are prone to pull-out due to poor fit and insufficient bone engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portions are designed to change from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration, allowing the fasteners to engage more deeply and securely with the bone. This dynamic transformation improves fastener retention by ensuring adequate bone engagement while maintaining relative simplicity in the fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the mounting portions are changed during compression, altering the engagement geometry between fasteners and bone to improve retention strength without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If rigid non-collapsible clips are used, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but the clips do not provide a close fit to varying rib contours, causing irritation and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The clips transition from a rigid manufactured state to a dynamic collapsible state during installation. The manufacturing process remains simple, producing standardized clips with built-in collapsible portions that enable post-manufacturing adaptation to precise bone contours through compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip structure is segmented into collapsible portions and mounting portions, allowing the manufacturing of standardized components that can be compressed to achieve precise fit to varying rib contours without complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using a fixation device including a mounting portion and a fastener that attaches to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the fixation device may include first and second mounting portions configured to be disposed across a bone from each other and secured with a fastener that extends from one of the mounting portions, through the bone, and to the other mounting portion. The system also may include a tool to facilitate installation of the fixation device.