Elastically Deformable Staples for Consistent Bone Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing staples lack the ability to consistently apply compressive force between biological elements, which can impede the healing process and stability of tissue or bone segments, and there is a need for faster and more accurate methods of staple delivery and guide systems to facilitate this.
Innovation Solution
The development of staples with a non-linearly extending bridge portion that elastically deforms to increase the distance between tines, allowing for pre-loaded compressive force application, combined with a guide system that facilitates the formation of apertures and maintains the staple in a deformed state for effective implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional linear staples are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot apply consistent compressive force between biological elements
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge portion is configured with a non-linear curved path between the tines, allowing elastic deformation that generates compressive force. The curved geometry enables the bridge to flex and apply consistent compression across the joint space when the tines are driven into the bone segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge portion utilizes elastic material properties to change its physical state from a relaxed configuration to a compressed configuration. The elastic deformation of the bridge portion allows it to store and release energy, maintaining consistent compressive force on the biological elements.
2Reliability
If the bridge portion is made elastically deformable to apply compressive force, then healing and stability are enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge portion is designed to be dynamically deformable within controlled limits, allowing elastic flexing to generate compressive force while maintaining structural integrity. The dynamic elastic properties enable the bridge to adapt to varying compression needs while ensuring consistent healing outcomes.
3Measurement precision
If a guide system is implemented for accurate staple delivery, then implantation precision is improved, but the overall device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system serves multiple functions: it defines the spacing between apertures, guides the drill bit for accurate hole formation, and ensures proper alignment of the staple tines with the target bone segments. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive precision control in a single integrated device.
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 staples provide consistent compressive force to biological elements, enhancing healing and stability by applying a pre-loaded force, while the guide system ensures accurate and efficient implantation, facilitating faster tissue fusion and reduced pain.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge portion is elastically deformable into a second state such the pair of tines are spaced apart a second distance that is greater than the first distance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides staples, and corresponding staple guides, for applying a compressive force between biological elements. The staples may include a bridge portion and a pair of tines extending from the bridge portion configured for implantation into biological elements. The tines may be spaced a first distance in a first state of the bridge portion. The bridge portion may be elastically deformable into a second state with the pair of tines spaced a second distance that is greater than the first distance and the tines pre-loaded to apply a compressive force therebetween. The guides may include a staple engagement portion operable to maintain the biased state of the staple, and/or a drill guide portion operable to facilitate the formation of apertures spaced the second distance in the biological elements.