External Fixator Clamp Assembly With Spring Pre-Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for external fixators require a complex number of components and are difficult to operate efficiently, especially in urgent situations, necessitating improvements for ease of use and reduced component count.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device design with a tensioning element positioned between a spring element and a tightening element, allowing for pre-tensioning without full tightening, and featuring a handwheel for easy operation, along with a simplified structure that eliminates the need for housings and allows for rotational and pivoting adjustments with minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex number of components are used in the clamping device, then the device can provide stable fixation, but the ease of operation deteriorates and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the tension element itself. The tension element serves as both the connecting member between clamps and the pre-tensioning mechanism. By integrating the pre-tensioning function into the tension element, the device reduces the number of separate components while maintaining stable fixation, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides pre-tensioning to the clamps before final tightening. This preliminary action ensures that the clamps are already in a state of partial compression, reducing the effort and time needed for final assembly while maintaining reliable fixation. The pre-tensioning is applied through the tension element, which is already positioned between the spring element and tightening element.
2Reliability
If more components are used to ensure stable fixation, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension element integrates multiple functions: it connects the first and second clamps, transmits pre-tensioning force from the spring element, and provides the mechanism for final tightening through its threaded engagement with the tightening element. This merging of functions reduces the overall component count while maintaining the reliability of stable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension element is designed to perform multiple roles within the clamping device. It serves as a structural connector, a tension transmission element, and a tightening mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If the tensioning element is positioned between the spring element and tightening element, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into functional modules: the spring element for pre-tensioning, the tension element for connection and tension transmission, and the tightening element for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining a clear, logical arrangement that improves ease of assembly despite the increased number of components.
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
Facilitates easy and quick assembly of the clamping device, ensuring stable fixation of bone fragments with reduced effort and time, particularly beneficial in stressful conditions, while extending the device's service life and simplifying handling.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (50) which is designed to pre-tension the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (20)
Implementation Method 2
The tension element is designed to tighten the first clamp and the second clamp by screwing its thread into the mating thread
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A clamping device (100) for connecting pins (201) and/or rod elements (202) of an external fixator (200) is proposed, comprising a first clamp (10) and a second clamp (20), wherein a tension element (31) connecting the first clamp (10) to the second clamp (20) is provided in a through bore (30) of the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (20), wherein the tension element (31) is mounted in the second clamp (20) and has a thread (33) that engages in a mating thread of a tightening means (40), wherein the tension element (31) is provided for clamping the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (20) by screwing the thread (33) into the mating thread, wherein the clamping device (100) includes a spring means (50) for pre-tensioning the first clamp (10) and the second clamp. (20) wherein the tightening means (40) is arranged between the spring means (50) and the tension element (31).