External Fixator Adjustment Assembly with Ball and Socket Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external fixator assemblies lack versatility in adjusting the positioning and orientation of bone pins, pin clamps, and bone fixation rods, leading to imprecise stabilization, restricted joint motion, and prolonged healing times, especially in complex fractures.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable assembly with a base and support shaft featuring a ball and socket connection, allowing for universal positioning and rotation of bone fixation rods relative to pin clamps and bone pins, enabling precise and stable alignment through a range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional external fixator assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the positioning and orientation of bone pins, pin clamps, and bone fixation rods cannot be adjusted precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment assembly employs a nested structure where the support shaft with ball and socket connection is integrated within the base assembly. The fixation rod clamp is mounted on the support shaft, allowing multiple functional components to be nested together, achieving precise positioning capabilities while maintaining a compact form factor that does not excessively increase overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities through the ball and socket connection between the support shaft and base, allowing the fixation rod to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations. This dynamic positioning system enables precise alignment during surgery while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and assembly complexity
2Reliability
If conventional external fixator assemblies are used, then the device structure is simple, but the stabilization accuracy and reliability are insufficient for complex fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The ball and socket connection utilizes spherical geometry to provide multi-directional adjustment capability. This spherical joint allows the fixation rod to be oriented in any direction within a hemisphere, ensuring reliable stabilization for complex fractures while maintaining a mechanically simple and robust connection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (base, support shaft, fixation rod clamp) that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows for precise control of each component's position and orientation, enhancing stabilization reliability without creating an overly complex integrated structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional external fixator assemblies are used, then the assembly is straightforward, but the range of motion and positioning versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment assembly with ball and socket connection provides universal positioning capability, allowing the fixation rod to be oriented in multiple directions and angles to accommodate various fracture patterns and anatomical locations. This multi-functional design enables a single assembly to handle diverse clinical scenarios while maintaining relatively simple operation through intuitive mechanical adjustment
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 precise and stable positioning of bone fixation rods relative to pin clamps and bone pins, enhancing the versatility of external fixators, improving healing outcomes by allowing for accurate alignment and increased stability, especially in complex fractures.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable assembly with a base and support shaft featuring a ball and socket connection, allowing for universal positioning and rotation of bone fixation rods relative to pin clamps and bone pins
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for use in an external fixator, structured to adjustably interconnect at least one or a plurality of bone fixation rods to a pin clamp comprising a base structurally adapted for movable, adjustable interconnection between the pin clamp and the one or more rod clamps. An elongate support shaft is movable with the base and movably connected thereto and at least one or alternatively a plurality of rod clamps are mounted on the support shaft. Each of the plurality of one or more rod clamps is structurally adapted to secure a different fixation rod to the support shaft. The one or more rod clamps are movably connected and adjustably positioned on the support shaft in adjacent relation to one another. The base, the support shaft and one or more rod clamps are movably interconnected relative to one another to define a substantially universal disposition of said plurality of rod clamps relative to the pin clamp.