External Fixator Clamp Assemblies for Rapid Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixators used for temporary stabilization of fractures are often bulky and time-consuming to assemble, necessitating a need for lightweight and quick-assembly solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of external fixator assemblies featuring a shaft with clamp assemblies that can rotate relative to each other, a ratchet assembly for secure locking, and biasing members to facilitate rapid stabilization of bones using pins and rods, allowing for quick assembly and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixators are used for temporary stabilization, then fracture 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, shafts, pins, and rods that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each clamp assembly functions as a discrete unit that can be quickly attached to pins and connected via rods, reducing overall device bulkiness while maintaining stabilization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assemblies are designed with nested structures where locking mechanisms and adjustment components are integrated within the clamp body. The ratchet mechanism and biasing members are contained within the clamp assembly housing, reducing external bulk while preserving full functionality for reliable fracture stabilization.
2Reliability
If traditional external fixators are used for temporary stabilization, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assemblies are pre-configured with integrated locking mechanisms and biasing members before surgery. The ratchet mechanism is pre-assembled within each clamp, and pins are pre-drilled with appropriate threading. This preliminary preparation allows surgeons to simply attach components together during surgery without complex assembly steps, dramatically reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members are spring-loaded components that automatically engage and lock the clamp assemblies in position once attached to the pins. The self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for additional manual tightening or securing steps during surgery, allowing rapid assembly while maintaining secure fracture stabilization.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used to reduce fixator weight, then portability improves, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixator components are constructed using composite materials that combine lightweight properties with high strength-to-weight ratios. The shafts and rods utilize advanced alloys or composite structures that provide sufficient structural strength for fracture stabilization while significantly reducing overall device weight compared to traditional solid metal constructions.
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 with reduced assembly time and weight, improving clinical efficiency in trauma care.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed between adjacent of the plurality of clamp assemblies
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality fingers has a plurality of internal ratchet teeth adapted to engage the least one external thread on the proximal end on the shaft
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 which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.