External Fixator Assembly with Modular Clamp and Carbon Fiber Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixators used for temporary stabilization of fractures are often bulky and time-consuming to assemble, necessitating a need for lightweight and quick-assembly solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of external fixator assemblies that utilize lightweight materials like carbon fiber rods and antimicrobial pins, combined with innovative clamp and ratchet mechanisms for rapid and secure stabilization of bones, allowing for quick assembly and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixators are used for temporary stabilization, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixator is divided into modular components including clamp assemblies, rods, and pins that can be independently selected and assembled. Each clamp assembly can be configured with different rod sizes and pin configurations to match specific fracture patterns, reducing overall system bulk while maintaining stabilization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assemblies are designed with universal features that allow them to accommodate various rod diameters and serve multiple functions in fracture stabilization. The same basic clamp design can be adapted for different fracture types and locations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components that would increase bulk
2Reliability
If traditional external fixators are used for temporary stabilization, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assemblies are pre-configured with integrated rod receptacles and pin channels during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows surgeons to simply attach the pre-assembled clamp units to the bone pins and connect rods without performing complex assembly operations during surgery, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining stabilization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into single components - the clamp assembly simultaneously secures the rod, provides pin attachment points, and enables angular adjustment. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components that would require multiple assembly steps, reducing surgical time while ensuring reliable fracture stabilization
Data Source
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AI summary
External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.