Expandable Bone Device with Deformable Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable bone devices for treating compression fractures lack controllable expansion direction and stability, often causing unintended fractures and uneven bone compaction due to uncontrolled inflation and material instability over time.
Innovation Solution
An expandable bone device with first and second bone support elements connected by a manipulator and link members, which moves between collapsed and expanded orientations via deformable support struts that maintain structural integrity and control expansion, allowing for precise bone support and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a balloon-like device is inflated to expand the bone cavity, then the bone cavity enlargement and fracture reduction are achieved, but the expansion direction becomes uncontrollable and occurs in multiple directions along the path of least resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable device is divided into multiple struts that can be independently controlled to expand in specific directions. Each strut acts as an independent segment that can be extended or retracted to control the overall expansion pattern, allowing precise directional control while achieving the desired bone cavity enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamically adjustable struts with variable stiffness characteristics. The struts can transition between flexible and rigid states, allowing controlled expansion in specific directions while adapting to the bone structure. This dynamic behavior enables precise control over expansion direction and magnitude.
2Strength
If cement is delivered into the bone cavity to provide structural support, then internal structural support is achieved, but new fractures may occur in adjacent levels
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides localized structural support precisely where needed within the bone cavity. The expandable struts can be positioned to support specific regions of the bone without requiring cement injection into adjacent levels, thereby providing the necessary strength while avoiding the harmful effect of causing new fractures in adjacent bone structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable device acts as an intermediary structure between the bone fragments, providing mechanical support and stabilization. This intermediary framework distributes loads evenly across the treated site, preventing stress concentration that could lead to new fractures in adjacent bone levels, unlike rigid cement filling.
3Stress or pressure
If the balloon-like device is inflated to compact cancellous bone against the cortical wall, then bone compaction is achieved, but the compaction direction is not controllable
Solution Approach 1:
The compaction function is segmented into multiple independent struts that can apply pressure in specific directions. Each strut can be controlled to compact bone in a predetermined direction, allowing precise control over the compaction pattern and ensuring uniform distribution of compressive forces against the cortical wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes adjustable stiffness parameters in the struts to control the magnitude and direction of compaction forces. By varying the stiffness of individual struts, the system can precisely control the pressure applied to different regions of the bone, achieving controlled compaction in specific directions rather than uncontrolled expansion.
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 device provides controlled and stable bone expansion, maintaining structural support and preventing new fractures by opposing forces with deformable struts that pass through elastic instability, enabling precise bone manipulation and treatment of various bone diseases and disorders.
Implementation Method 1
deformable support struts connected between the manipulator and the first and second bone support elements that deform when moved by the manipulator from the collapsed orientation to the expanded orientation and vice versa, wherein in the expanded orientation the deformable support struts form a structure that maintains the first and second bone support elements in the expanded orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable bone device including first and second bone support elements, a manipulator positioned between the first and second bone support elements and connected to them by link members, the manipulator adapted to move the first and second bone support elements between a collapsed orientation and an expanded orientation, wherein in the collapsed orientation the first and second bone support elements are drawn towards the manipulator and in the expanded orientation the first and second bone support elements are moved outwards away from a longitudinal axis of the manipulator, and deformable support struts connected between the manipulator and the first and second bone support elements that deform when moved by the manipulator from the collapsed orientation to the expanded orientation and vice versa, wherein in the expanded orientation the deformable support struts form a structure that maintains the first and second bone support elements in the expanded orientation.