Dynamic Foot Plate With Adjustable Joints for Ankle Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external fixator devices lack dynamic adjustment capabilities to effectively correct acute and gradual deformities in the ankle and leg areas, limiting their ability to accurately stabilize and align joint tissues for proper healing.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic foot plate assembly with adjustable joint assemblies that include a base element with a curvilinear configuration, movable side elements, and strut members, allowing for gross and fine adjustments through various modes of motion such as rotation, tilting, and telescoping, enabling precise positioning and orientation of transfixion pins for effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional external fixator devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks dynamic adjustment capabilities to correct deformities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static foot plate into a dynamic structure through the addition of joint assemblies. These joints enable the foot plate to perform gross movements (rotation, tilting) and fine adjustments (telescoping), allowing the device to adapt to various deformity corrections while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular joint components.
2Measurement precision
If fixed orientation foot plates are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accurately position transfixion pins for complex deformities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment functionality into distinct joint assemblies that can be independently configured. Each joint assembly provides specific movement capabilities (gross adjustment and fine adjustment), allowing precise positioning of transfixion pins while keeping individual joint components relatively simple and modular.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dynamic foot plate assembly structured for therapeutic use adjacent the ankle area of the body comprising a base element, at least one side element extending along the ankle area, and at least one joint movably and adjustably connecting the base element to the side element for variable displacement of the base element and side element into different operative orientations. The dynamic foot plate assembly may also comprise a plurality of strut members disposed in an interconnecting relationship between either a support member and a side element, or the support member and the base element. The strut members, if present, facilitate the variable relative displacement of the base element, side element and support element into different operative orientations.