External Fixation Clamping Device with Integrated Lever Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation devices are cumbersome and require multiple assistants for locking, leading to increased complexity and resource wastage, and are often designed for specific sides of joints, necessitating large inventories and longer surgical times.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a unitary or modular construction featuring a clamp body and locking assembly that includes a lever mechanism, allowing for precise adjustment and locking of bone fragments, enabling use on either side of a joint and reducing the need for multiple assistants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixation devices with separate locking mechanisms are used, then reliable fixation of bone fragments is achieved, but the locking process becomes cumbersome and requires multiple assistants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated clamp assembly. The clamp simultaneously secures the bone pin and locks the rod position through integrated locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing the need for multiple assistants during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: securing bone pins, locking rod positions, and providing adjustable angulation. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices and locking steps into a single operable unit.
2Manufacturing precision
If hinged external fixation devices are designed for specific sides of joints, then proper alignment with joint pivot axis is achieved, but hospital inventory requirements increase and surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged external fixation device is designed with symmetric or reversible components that allow it to be used on either side of a joint (left or right). The clamp assembly and rod configuration can be adapted to accommodate different orientations, eliminating the need for separate left-sided and right-sided device inventories while maintaining proper joint alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates asymmetric elements that can be oriented in different directions, allowing the same base device to function properly on both left and right sides of joints. The hinge mechanism and rod attachments are designed to accommodate various orientations while maintaining the mechanical pivot axis alignment with the joint's natural pivot axis.
3Strength
If traditional external fixation systems with multiple components are used, then adequate support for comminuted fractures is achieved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple structural support functions into a unified rod-clamp assembly. The rod provides longitudinal strength while the integrated clamps provide transverse stabilization, creating a cohesive load-bearing structure that supports comminuted fractures without requiring numerous separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses modular clamp units that can be independently positioned and locked along the rod at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to provide targeted support at specific fracture sites while maintaining overall structural integrity, reducing the need for a completely rigid complex structure.
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 solution simplifies the fixation process, reduces surgical time, and allows for flexible application on either side of a joint, enhancing efficiency and reducing resource requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a lever configured to couple to the second locking element. The lever is configured to attach to the second locking element and rotate about the second locking element from a first position to a second position to cause the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to be reduced further
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device includes a clamp body and a locking assembly. The clamp body includes a first jaw defining a first opening and a second jaw defining a second opening. The locking assembly includes a first locking element, a second locking element, and a lever. The first locking element includes a first end and a shaft portion extending from the first end. The shaft portion is sized to pass through the first opening and the second opening. The locking assembly is configured to reduce a distance between the first jaw and the second jaw responsive to rotation of the second locking element. The lever is configured to attach to the second locking element and rotate about the second locking element from a first position to a second position to cause the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to be reduced further.