External Fixation Device with Dynamic Locking Connection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation technologies, such as static and hinged fixation systems, face challenges including joint stiffness, complex application processes, and suboptimal alignment, leading to inadequate treatment outcomes, especially in emergency settings where skilled personnel and equipment may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A simplified external fixation device with a connection assembly that includes pin blocks and a linking member, allowing for easy locking and unlocking to maintain joint motion, accommodate varying distances, and facilitate reattachment for joint stabilization, featuring a variable-linkage assembly with spherical joints and sliding engagement for adjustable alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If static external fixation is used to stabilize the joint, then joint stability is improved, but joint motion is lost leading to stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixation device incorporates a dynamic connection assembly that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The linking member with spherical joints and sliding engagement allows the device to adapt between providing rigid stability and permitting joint motion, resolving the contradiction between joint stability and joint motion
2Ease of operation
If hinged fixation devices are used to maintain joint motion, then joint motion is preserved, but device complexity and operative time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is segmented into modular components including pin blocks, linking members, and spherical joints that can be independently applied and adjusted. This segmentation simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining joint motion capability, reducing both device complexity and operative time
3Ease of operation
If hinged fixation devices are used to maintain joint motion, then joint motion is preserved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joints and sliding engagement mechanism change the geometric parameters of the connection, allowing for self-alignment and accommodation of variations in pin placement. This reduces the stringency of alignment precision requirements while preserving joint motion
4Stability of the object's composition
If static fixation systems are used, then joint stability is maintained, but device dismantling and reassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly incorporates dynamic locking and unlocking mechanisms that simplify device dismantling and reassembly. The releasable attachment allows the linking member to be easily detached from pin blocks, enabling straightforward device removal and reapplication while maintaining joint stability when locked
Data Source
AI summary
External fixation devices and methods of use are provided. A device for external fixation of a joint includes a first pin block for connection to a first skeletal element and a second pin block for connection to a second skeletal element. The device includes a connection assembly that is releasably attached to at least one of the pin blocks. The device is locked in an original position when the connection assembly is attached to both of the pin blocks, and is unlocked when the connection assembly is detached from at least one of the pin blocks.