External Fixation Device Ball-and-Socket Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external fixation devices are often complex in design, difficult to install, and may interfere with body parts, limiting their ability to pivot for adjustment and effectively align and stabilize fractured bones.
Innovation Solution
An external fixation device with a simple design and easy installation, featuring a first and second support with pivotably connected connectors, allowing for static or dynamic compressions or lengthening of bones, and incorporating ball-and-socket joints for robust angulation and predictable clinical outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external fixation devices are used, then bone stabilization function is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixation device is divided into multiple independent supports (first support, second support, third support) that can be separately positioned and attached to the bone. Each support is connected through articulated connectors, allowing modular assembly and independent adjustment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stabilization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates articulated connectors with universal joints that enable dynamic adjustment and pivoting of supports relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different bone configurations and fracture patterns, simplifying the overall design by using flexible connections rather than rigid, complex mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If conventional external fixation devices are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but installation and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connectors incorporate universal joints that allow pivoting and angular adjustment during installation and subsequent treatment phases. This dynamic adjustment capability enables clinicians to easily position supports at optimal angles without complex mechanical operations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable bone stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of geometric parameters such as the angle between supports and connectors through the universal joints. By changing these angular parameters, the device can be easily adapted to different fracture configurations and patient anatomies, simplifying both installation and ongoing adjustment procedures.
3Reliability
If conventional external fixation devices are used, then bone alignment is achieved, but interference with body parts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple supports attached at different locations on the bone. By distributing supports across different dimensions and using articulated connectors that can pivot in multiple directions, the device achieves effective bone alignment while positioning components away from interfering body parts through strategic spatial configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the fixation system into multiple separate supports rather than a single large rigid structure, the device can distribute its components around the body part being treated. This segmentation allows each support to be positioned in a location that minimizes interference with surrounding body parts while collectively achieving the necessary bone alignment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional external fixation devices are used, then adjustment capability is limited, but device design becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connectors are designed with universal joints that provide multi-directional pivoting capability, allowing a single connector design to accommodate various angular configurations and adjustment requirements. This universal joint design enables the same connector to function in multiple orientations and adjustment scenarios, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An external fixation device for stabilizing fractured bones in the treatment of traumatic injuries may include a lower support. An upper support may be disposed in spaced-apart relationship to the lower support. At least one elongated link or connector may connect the upper support to the lower support. A pivotal base joint may pivotally connect each connector to the lower support. A ball-and-socket joint may swivably connect the upper support to the at least one connector. The lower support and the upper support may be attached to bones on opposite sides of a fracture site. The lower and upper supports remain exterior to the limb of the patient to facilitate periodic adjustments of the lower support and/or the upper support relative to the connectors to achieve a selected clinical outcome.