Dynamic Foot Plate Assembly for Ankle Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external fixator assemblies lack dynamic features to effectively correct and stabilize deformities in joint areas like the ankle, requiring improved accuracy and ease of adjustment for complex deformities.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic foot plate assembly with movable side elements and joints, including a base element with a curvilinear configuration, allowing for variable orientation and adjustment through rotation, raising/lowering, hinging/tilting, and telescoping, supported by strut members for precise positioning and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional external fixator assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the assembly lacks dynamic features to effectively correct and stabilize deformities in joint areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating movable joints and articulation points into the external fixator assembly, allowing the structure to dynamically adjust and correct deformities in joint areas rather than being static. This enables the assembly to adapt to complex anatomical variations and progressive correction needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into multiple segments connected by joints, allowing independent movement and adjustment of each segment. This segmentation enables complex deformity correction while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fixator assemblies are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the accuracy and ease of adjustment for complex deformities is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic joints and articulation mechanisms provide precise adjustment capabilities for correcting complex deformities, allowing surgeons to make accurate angular and positional corrections while the modular design maintains manufacturing feasibility.
3Ease of operation
If the assembly includes movable components for dynamic correction, then the correction accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable components are designed to provide intuitive and easy adjustment mechanisms despite the increased complexity, allowing surgeons to efficiently correct deformities through simplified operational interfaces and mechanical advantages.
Data Source
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.