Distraction Clamp Movable Bracket Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation devices for treating injuries such as lower leg and arm fractures lack a movable pin retaining structure that can be adjusted in various positions for optimal alignment and stretching, limiting their effectiveness in promoting healing and stability.
Innovation Solution
A distraction clamp with a pin clamp assembly featuring a bracket and retainers with mating surfaces for selective retention and movement, along with a rod clamp assembly and connector that allows for adjustable positioning and rotational alignment, facilitated by a biasing structure for easy adjustment with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing external fixation devices use fixed pin retaining structures, then the device structure is simple, but the alignment and stretching effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin clamp assembly incorporates a movable bracket that can reciprocate along the rod assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of pin positions. The bracket includes a retainer with a slot that receives a pin, and the entire assembly can be positioned at various locations along the rod to achieve optimal alignment and stretching of the injured area.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a rod assembly for structural support, a movable bracket for positioning, a pin clamp mechanism for securing pins, and a locking mechanism for fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall adjustability and effectiveness of the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bracket is made movable and selectively retainable in various positions, then optimal alignment and stretching is achieved, but the mechanism for movement and retention becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a self-contained adjustment mechanism where the retainer with the slot automatically engages with the pin, and the biasing structure provides automatic return force. The mating surfaces with ribs and grooves create a self-aligning connection that simplifies the adjustment process while maintaining positional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows continuous variation of the bracket position along the rod assembly, enabling precise adjustment of pin placement. The slot in the retainer permits movement along a defined path, and the biasing structure allows controlled changes in the engaged/disengaged state, providing parameter flexibility without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If frictional resistance is increased to retain the bracket, then positional stability is improved, but reciprocal movement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing structure acts as an intermediary between the bracket and the rod assembly, providing a controlled force that facilitates bracket movement while maintaining retention. The spring element allows the bracket to move easily during adjustment and then maintains stable positioning once adjusted, mediating between the conflicting requirements of movement ease and positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional resistance between the mating surfaces is designed to be dynamic rather than static - sufficient to hold the bracket in position during normal use, but overcome during intentional adjustment. The biasing structure continuously applies force to maintain engagement while allowing controlled disengagement and repositioning when needed.
4Reliability
If multiple retainers are used to secure pins, then pin retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention functions are merged into a single integrated retainer structure. The retainer includes a slot that secures the pin, and this same retainer is part of the movable bracket assembly that provides positioning and adjustment capabilities. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms while maintaining reliable pin securing.
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 distraction clamp enables optimal alignment and stretching of injured areas, promoting healing and stability by allowing precise adjustment of pin and rod positions, enhancing the effectiveness of external fixation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing structure to facilitate movement of the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A distraction clamp for treating a variety of injuries, comprising a rod clamp assembly having two clamps each configured to retain a rod, a pin clamp assembly comprising a bracket having a first mating surface, and two retainers each having a second mating surface. The bracket is structured to retain a plurality of pins. The first and second mating surfaces of the bracket and retainers respectively, are disposed in movable, retaining engagement with one another. The bracket is reciprocally movable along its length relative to the rod clamp assembly and to the clamp connector. The clamp connector serves to interconnect the rod clamp assembly to the pin clamp assembly. The clamp connector may include a biasing structure disposed and configured to movably bias the bracket in a spaced relation relative to the rod clamp assembly.