External Fixation Rod with Telescopic and Threaded Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation devices lack a connection rod mechanism that allows for both rapid and gradual adjustments in length, particularly when connecting non-parallel rings, which can complicate bone realignment and stabilization procedures.
Innovation Solution
The external fixation connection rod features a telescopic housing with a sliding adjustment sleeve and a threaded elongated member, enabling rapid length adjustments through sleeve translation and gradual adjustments via a rotating adjustment mechanism, allowing secure attachment to non-parallel fixator rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional threaded or telescopic rod is used to connect non-parallel rings, then the device can maintain structural simplicity, but the ability to perform both rapid and gradual adjustments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection rod is divided into multiple functional segments: a telescopic housing for rapid adjustment, an inner sleeve for intermediate adjustment, and a threaded elongated member for gradual precision adjustment. Each segment handles a different aspect of length modification, allowing the system to achieve both rapid and gradual adjustments while maintaining manageable complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inner sleeve is disposed within the telescopic housing, and the threaded elongated member is disposed within the inner sleeve. This nesting arrangement allows multiple adjustment mechanisms to coexist in a compact configuration, enabling both rapid and gradual adjustments without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a single adjustment mechanism is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the precision and control over length adjustment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the connection rod are assigned different adjustment qualities: the telescopic housing provides rapid coarse adjustment capability, the inner sleeve offers intermediate adjustment, and the threaded elongated member delivers fine precision adjustment. This local differentiation of adjustment quality across the rod structure enables multi-level precision control while keeping each individual mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system transitions from static to dynamic control by incorporating multiple movable components. The telescopic housing can rapidly change length, the inner sleeve provides intermediate positioning, and the threaded member enables precise incremental adjustments. This dynamic multi-stage adjustment process allows the system to adapt to different precision requirements during bone realignment procedures.
3Speed
If rapid adjustment is prioritized, then the ability to perform acute corrections is improved, but the ability to perform gradual controlled changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment process is divided into periodic stages: rapid telescopic adjustment for acute corrections, followed by intermediate sleeve adjustment, and finally gradual threaded adjustment for precise controlled changes. This periodic multi-stage action allows the system to switch between different adjustment speeds and control levels as needed, accommodating both rapid acute corrections and gradual controlled changes in a systematic manner.
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
This solution enables precise and efficient length adjustments of the connection rod, facilitating rapid acute corrections and gradual, controlled changes, thereby enhancing the stability and alignment of bone segments during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an externally threaded elongated member threadably coupled within the second rotating member of the adjustment mechanism; wherein when the adjustment mechanism is rotated about the inner sleeve and the elongated member, the elongated member is translated within the axial bore defined in the inner sleeve during gradual adjustment
Data Source
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AI summary
An external fixation connection rod that allows for rapid and gradual length adjustment. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an inner sleeve received within a telescopic rod to allow for rapid adjustment of an overall length of the fixation connection rod. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an adjustment mechanism to allow for gradual adjustment of the overall length of the fixation connection rod by lengthening or shortening a threaded elongated member within the inner sleeve, and the adjustment mechanism includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, and a spring. Distal translation of the first rotation member relative to the second rotation member allows the adjustment mechanism to move from a first, locked position to a second, unlocked position, allowing the first rotation member and the second rotation member to rotate about the inner sleeve and the threaded elongated member during gradual adjustment.