Compound Bone Plate Merging for Craniotomy Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone plates used in craniotomy procedures are small and difficult to handle, posing risks of slipping, snagging with screws, and causing injuries during surgical operations.

Innovation Solution

A compound bone plate assembly comprising multiple plate members connected by a strut, with burr hole covers integrated to provide a larger surface area for handling and secure attachment to the skull and bone flap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual small bone plates are used to secure the bone flap, then the attachment function is achieved, but the handling difficulty increases and safety risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate bone plates into a single compound bone plate structure that includes a first plate member, a second plate member, and a connecting strut. This merging eliminates the handling difficulties of multiple small plates while maintaining the secure attachment function. The compound structure provides a larger surface area for surgeon control and prevents the plates from slipping or snagging during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple separate bone plates are used, then the attachment coverage is improved, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment coverageVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple bone plate components into a single integrated compound bone plate that provides comprehensive attachment coverage. The structure includes a first plate member for attaching to the bone flap, a second plate member for attaching to the skull, and a strut connecting them. This unified structure reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate coverage area for secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If small bone plates are used, then the precision of attachment is maintained, but the risk of slipping and falling into cranial cavity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment precisionVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple small bone plates into a larger compound bone plate structure that maintains precise attachment capabilities through its designed geometry and attachment features. The increased size provides a larger surface area for surgeon control, preventing slipping and falling into the cranial cavity, while the structured design ensures precise positioning and attachment to the bone flap and skull.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If individual bone plates are used with screws, then the secure fixation is achieved, but the risk of snagging and high-speed rotation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple bone plates into a compound structure where the first plate member and second plate member are connected by a strut, creating a unified attachment system. This integrated structure reduces the risk of snagging on screws during insertion, as the larger compound plate provides better control and prevents the high-speed rotation that can occur with small individual plates, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining fixation strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3968878B1Compound plate for craniotomy closures
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 BIOMET MICROFIXATION LLC
  • EP3968878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3968878B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3B
  • EP3968878B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a compound bone plate (200) for attaching a bone flap to a skull. The compound bone plate includes a first plate member (202A), a second plate member (202B), a burr hole cover (204) and a strut (218). The first plate member can be operable to be attached to the bone flap and the skull. The second plate member can be operable to be attached to the bone flap and the skull. The strut connects the first plate member, the second plate member, and the burr hole cover.