Rotating External Fixator Clamps for Faster Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixators used for temporary stabilization of fractures are bulky and time-consuming, necessitating a need for lightweight and quick-assembly solutions.
Innovation Solution
The external fixator system includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that can rotate relative to one another in an unlocked position, allowing for rapid stabilization of bones, and can be locked into position using a ratchet assembly or biasing members to secure rods and pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixators are used for fracture stabilization, then reliable bone 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 assembled and configured. Each clamp assembly functions as a separate unit that can be quickly attached to rods and pins without requiring complex integration steps, thereby reducing overall device bulkiness while maintaining stabilization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assemblies incorporate movable elements such as cam mechanisms and adjustable clamping surfaces that allow for dynamic adjustment during assembly and positioning. This dynamic design enables rapid adaptation to different fracture configurations without requiring bulky pre-configured structures, achieving both compactness and reliable stabilization.
2Reliability
If traditional external fixators are used for fracture stabilization, then reliable bone stabilization is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assemblies are pre-configured with integrated cam mechanisms and pre-positioned clamping surfaces that are ready for immediate engagement with rods and pins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site adjustments and multi-step assembly procedures, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable bone stabilization upon completion.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements including clamping surfaces, adjustment mechanisms, and locking features are merged into integrated clamp assemblies. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps required, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining the reliability needed for effective fracture stabilization.
3Productivity
If clamp assemblies are designed to rotate relative to each other for quick assembly, then assembly speed improves, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanisms within the clamp assemblies are designed to automatically engage and lock into predetermined positions upon rotation, providing self-stabilizing functionality. As the clamps rotate during assembly for quick positioning, the cam mechanisms simultaneously engage with corresponding features on the rods and pins, ensuring that structural stability is maintained without requiring additional locking steps or complex stabilization features.
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
Enables rapid and secure stabilization of fractures, reducing assembly time and improving the efficiency of fracture management.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed between adjacent of the plurality of clamp assemblies
Implementation Method 2
A ratchet assembly biases the clamp assembly toward the distal flange. The ratchet assembly comprises a ratcheting buttress
Implementation Method 3
The proximal end has at least one external thread
Data Source
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 that are configured to clamp onto the rods. A distractor/compression instrument is used to adjust the location of a clamp assembly along the length of its rod.