External Fixator Ring Angled Flanges Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Taylor Spatial Frame external fixation device faces instability and limited range of motion due to the requirement of attaching struts at the top or bottom of the rings, which results in insufficient spatial clearance for ball joints and decreased functional length of struts, along with inherent translational movement instability from universal joints.
Innovation Solution
An external fixator ring with a central opening, inner and outer ring surfaces, and angled flanges that provide apertures for maximal range of motion, allowing struts to be connected at various positions, including the outer or inner surfaces, to enhance stability and motion range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If struts are attached at the top or bottom of the rings using ball joints, then the device structure is simplified, but there is insufficient spatial clearance for the ball joints to effect adjustments to the orientation of the struts and the rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second plane of attachment on the rings, positioned away from the traditional top/bottom locations. This spatial reconfiguration allows struts to be attached at multiple positions around the ring circumference, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the attachment geometry. The second plane enables ball joints to achieve full orientational adjustments without spatial clearance constraints, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and motion versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure is segmented into multiple attachment zones: a first plane with initial attachment points and a second plane with additional attachment points. This segmentation allows different struts to be positioned at different planes, distributing the spatial requirements for ball joint operation and enabling independent adjustment of each strut's orientation without interference from others.
2Device complexity
If struts are attached at the top or bottom of the rings, then the connection is simplified, but the functional length of the struts is decreased due to the space taken up by the length of the universal joints
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning attachment points on a second plane that is offset from the first plane, the patent extends the effective lever arm and functional length of the struts. This spatial arrangement reduces the proportion of strut length consumed by universal joint components, thereby increasing the functional length available for bone segment manipulation while maintaining simplified connection structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal joints are used to connect struts to rings, then the device allows multi-directional movement, but inherent translational movement instability is introduced due to loose coupling between rotating parts and pivoting pin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into multiple independent strut-r ring connections distributed across two planes. This segmentation isolates the potential instability of individual universal joints, preventing it from affecting the entire device. Each joint's instability is localized and can be independently addressed, while the overall system maintains stability through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple attachment planes and multiple strut connections into a unified system where the collective stability of all connections compensates for the inherent instability of individual universal joints. The merged system achieves both multi-directional movement capability and overall stability through redundant load paths and distributed stress distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes an external fixator ring that includes a central opening, inner and outer ring surfaces and upper and lower ring surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more apertures are defined in the inner or outer surface for receiving securing devices. The apertures in the inner or outer surface are adapted to provide rigid attachment for connection struts while allowing for a range of motion between the interconnected rings. In some other embodiments, the external fixator ring further comprises angled flanges extending radially from the inner or outer surface. The angle flanges each include a mounting surface, apertures are defined in the mounting surface of the angle flanges for receiving securing devices.