External Fixation Component With Multi-Axis Rotational Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation systems lack flexibility and adjustability, particularly when multiple fixation components are used, as they become constrained and difficult to maneuver, limiting the ability to properly align bone fragments and requiring removal and repositioning of bars, which complicates fracture reduction.
Innovation Solution
An external fixation system with a fixation component that allows rotation in multiple planes, featuring two capture members that can rotate about three axes relative to each other, enabling independent locking and adjustment of capture members, and allowing for modular interchangeability to accommodate different fixation elements, such as bars, pins, and wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fixation components are used to stabilize a fracture, then the stability of the fixation system is improved, but the flexibility and adjustability of the system deteriorates as components become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation component incorporates a dynamic coupling mechanism between capture members that allows rotation about three axes. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt its configuration as multiple components are added, maintaining flexibility while achieving stability through the coordinated arrangement of multiple fixation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation component is divided into separate capture members (first and second capture members) that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows each capture member to be optimized for specific fixation elements while the overall component provides stable multi-element fixation through their coordinated arrangement.
2Strength
If fixation components are made rigid to securely join pins and wires to bars, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between capture members provides dynamic adjustment capability during the fixation process, allowing surgeons to position components optimally. Once positioned, the same coupling mechanism provides rigid locking to ensure strong, stable connections for fracture healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation component allows preliminary positioning and adjustment of capture members before final locking. This enables optimal fracture alignment to be achieved before the system is rigidly secured, combining ease of adjustment with strong final connection.
3Reliability
If the frame is made stable to support fracture reduction, then the reliability of fracture stabilization is improved, but the ability to perform additional reduction deteriorates as components become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic coupling mechanism allows the fixation frame to be initially configured for stable fracture reduction, then later reconfigured to perform additional reduction maneuvers. The same component provides both initial stabilization and subsequent adjustability through its rotational degrees of freedom.
4Reliability
If fixation components are designed with limited rotation to maintain stability, then the reliability of the fixation construct is improved, but the freedom of rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism provides controlled dynamic rotation about three axes, allowing capture members to be positioned with high freedom of rotation during assembly, then locked into stable, reliable positions for fracture fixation. The system transitions from high freedom of rotation during positioning to controlled stability during healing.
Data Source
AI summary
An external fixation system having a fixation component (20) comprising: a) a first capture member (24) adapted to capture a second element (26) of an orthopedic fixation system; and (b) a second capture member (22) adapted to capture a second element (28) of an orthopedic fixation system and coupled to the first capture member such that the coupling (86,94,110) allows the first capture member and the second capture member to rotate about three axes relative to each other element and move along that axis; wherein the coupling is adapted to secure the first and the second capture members from rotation with an activation (100); and wherein the second capture member is adapted to capture the second element by snapping onto the second element from substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the second element