Elastic External Fixator with Pivoting Spring for Bone Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elastic external fixators for bone treatment lack the ability to modulate force intensity between bone portions for both traction and distraction, requiring multiple embodiments and being bulky and operator-dependent, leading to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
An elastic external fixator design featuring a helical spring that pivots around a first axis, with oblong pins and bodies that allow for adjustable force modulation between two bone portions, enabling both traction and distraction with a single structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single elastic external fixator structure is used for both traction and distraction, then device complexity is reduced and versatility is improved, but the ability to precisely modulate force intensity becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed to be movable within the body along a guide axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spring's engagement point. This enables the same fixator structure to modulate force intensity for both traction and distraction by changing the pin's position, rather than requiring separate fixed structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fixator structure incorporates a universal mechanism where the movable pin and guide axis allow the spring to function in both traction and distraction modes. The oblong pin geometry and its ability to slide within the body provide multi-functionality, eliminating the need for separate embodiments for different force types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If home-made assemblies are used for elastic external fixators, then adaptability to different force requirements is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to operator dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator allows parameter changes through the movable pin mechanism, which can be positioned at different locations along the guide axis to adjust force intensity. This provides adaptability through a controlled parameter change mechanism rather than through custom-made assemblies, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment of force parameters through the movable pin design, allowing the device to adapt to different treatment requirements without requiring operator-dependent custom assembly. The standardized mechanism with adjustable pin position provides both precision and adaptability.
3Reliability
If separate fixation systems are used for distraction and axis maintenance, then functional reliability is improved, but device volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator merges the distraction function and axis maintenance function into a single integrated structure. The spring provides distraction force while the body and pin mechanism simultaneously maintain the bone axis, eliminating the need for separate fixation systems and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fixator structure performs multiple functions: the spring provides elastic distraction force while the body-pin-spring assembly simultaneously maintains bone alignment. This multi-functional design achieves functional reliability without requiring separate systems for each function.
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
Enables precise modulation of force intensity between bone portions, facilitating consistent and adjustable treatment for bone repair and joint remodeling, improving the efficiency and reliability of bone fixation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring defined along a first axis... capable of pivoting with respect to said first body around the first axis... allow the intensity of the force to be modulated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to external elastic fixing elements which are disposed between first and second bone segments (O1, O2). The inventive fixing element is essentially characterised in that it comprises: a helical spring (11) having an axis 12; a body (14); first means (15) for mounting the body (14) such that it co-operates with the spring (11) so that the spring can pivot in relation to the body around the axis (12) thereof; a pin (16) having axis 17, which can be fixed to bone segment O1; means (19) for mounting the pin (16) such that it co-operates with the body (14) so that the pin extends through the spring (11) and the axis (17) of the pin forms a non-zero angle with the axis (12) of the spring; another body (22); and means (24) for linking the body (22) with bone segment O2 and the spring (11). The invention is suitable for external fixing elements that are intended for the fingers of one hand.