Convertible Insert Bone Plate for Fastener Direction Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone fusion and compression technologies face challenges in optimally directing fasteners to achieve effective bone immobilization and fusion, particularly in varying anatomical configurations.

Innovation Solution

A bone plate apparatus featuring a semi-rigid material with fixation and insert apertures, incorporating a convertible insert that can be configured to direct fasteners at oblique or right angles relative to the plate, facilitating optimal bone purchase and fusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bone plate with fixed fastener direction is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot optimally direct fasteners to achieve effective bone immobilization and fusion in varying anatomical configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying anatomical configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of bone plate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bone plate is segmented into functional modules: a base plate structure and interchangeable inserts. Each insert can be independently configured with different aperture orientations (oblique, right angles, etc.), allowing the surgeon to select the appropriate insert for the specific anatomical configuration without redesigning the entire bone plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bone plate is designed with universal adaptability through multiple aperture types and interchangeable inserts that can accommodate various fastener directions and bone geometries. The same base plate can serve multiple anatomical sites by simply changing the insert configuration, making the device multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If fasteners are directed at fixed angles, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot achieve optimal bone purchase and fusion outcomes across diverse anatomical sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of fastener directionVSAvoidease of manufacturing bone plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The desired fastener directions are pre-configured into the inserts during manufacturing, with apertures precisely oriented at specific angles (oblique, right angles, etc.). This preliminary configuration allows for high manufacturing precision in the insert production phase, while the final assembly remains simple and does not require complex post-processing or intraoperative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250114130A1Bone plate with insert(s) for optimally directing fasteners

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 IN2BONES USA LLC

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for fusing bones of the human body. The apparatus comprises a bone plate which generally is a member having one or more fixation apertures, configured to receive fasteners, and an insert aperture. The bone plate comprises a semi-rigid material, such as a biocompatible metal or Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), possessing a tensile strength suitable for immobilizing bones. A convertible insert is configured to be retained within the insert aperture. The convertible insert is configured to optimally direct a fastener towards a chosen point of purchase for fixating or compressing bones. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the fusion plate. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at a substantially right angle relative to the fusion plate.