Dual-Anchor Cable Anchoring for Minimally Invasive Tissue Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchor screws and orthopedic plates held in place by screws are often inadequate for certain applications, and there is a need for minimally invasive anchoring solutions that allow adjustable tension or torque.

Innovation Solution

An anchoring apparatus comprising a primary anchor with variable length and a secondary anchor, which can be used with or without support plates, allowing for adjustable tension or torque through a cable system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If anchor screws alone or orthopedic plates held in place by anchor screws are used, then anchoring function is provided, but the solution is not satisfactory in certain applications and is not minimally invasive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinvasiveness to body tissueVSAvoidanchoring effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is divided into separate functional components: a first anchor for securing to bone, a second anchor for securing the cable, and a cable connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling minimally invasive insertion while maintaining reliable anchoring through the cable-tensioned connection between the two anchors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional anchor screws are used, then anchoring is achieved, but adjustable tension or torque cannot be applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable tension or torqueVSAvoidanchoring apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static anchor screw to a dynamic cable-based anchoring system where tension can be adjusted. The cable can be tensioned to apply adjustable forces, and the apparatus allows for dynamic adjustment of the anchoring characteristics to suit different application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If support plates are used with anchor screws, then anchoring function is improved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate support plate component from the anchoring system. Instead of using anchor screws that require support plates, the system uses a direct cable connection between two anchors, removing the unnecessary intermediate structure while maintaining the anchoring function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12440201B2Anchoring apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 DODSON MARK A

AI summary

This invention provides an anchoring apparatus comprising a primary anchor and a secondary anchor. The primary anchor defines a primary bore, a tail section, and a head section. The head section defines a pair of substantially parallel bores extending through the head section of the primary anchor. The secondary anchor is sized and configured to mate with the head section of the primary anchor at a head section opening of the primary bore.