External Fixator Connecting Device with Tension-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application and assembly of external fixators for stabilizing fractures are complex and time-consuming, particularly in emergency situations, where rapid and intuitive fixation is crucial for patient transport and infection prevention in high-grade open fractures.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with rotatable and pivotable clamp arrangements and a tension-loadable traction mechanism that locks the clamp arrangements in different angular positions, allowing for easy assembly and secure fixation of pins and rod elements without requiring extensive medical training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external fixators are assembled using traditional complex assembly procedures, then secure fixation is achieved, but assembly time is excessive and requires extensive medical training
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into modular components: clamping arrangements, pivot joints, swivel joints, and tensioning elements. Each component has a specific function and can be independently assembled, allowing non-medical personnel to systematically construct the fixator without requiring complex procedural knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning element automatically locks the clamping arrangements in different angular positions when tensioned, providing self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms or specialized assembly techniques, allowing anyone to secure the fixation device through simple tensioning
2Reliability
If multiple stabilizing elements are connected to achieve adequate fixation in complex fractures, then fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device features universal clamping arrangements that can secure various types of pins and rod elements through standardized interfaces. The pivot and swivel joints provide multi-axis adjustment capabilities, allowing a single device design to accommodate different fracture patterns and stabilization requirements without increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple joint types (pivot joint for rotation about axis of rotation, swivel joint for pivoting about perpendicular pivot axis) and clamping functions into an integrated connecting device. This merging of functions into a unified structure reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining the ability to connect multiple stabilizing elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device (100) for connecting pins (220) and/or rod elements (210) of an external fixator (200), comprising a first clamping arrangement (20) for fastening at least one pin (220) and/or rod element (210) and a second clamping arrangement (30) for fastening at least one pin (220) and/or rod element (210), wherein the first and second clamping arrangements (20, 30) are rotatably mounted relative to each other about an axis of rotation (D) via a rotary joint (40) and pivotably mounted relative to each other about a pivot axis (S) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) via a pivot joint (50).A tensile-resistant tensioning element (80) is passed through the first and second clamping arrangements (20, 30), the pivot joint (40), and the swivel joint (50) and is designed to fix the first and second clamping arrangements (20, 30) by applying a tensile force in the axial direction (A) along the tensioning element (80) and to lock them in different angular positions with respect to the axis of rotation (D) and the axis of swivel (S). The invention further relates to an external fixator (200) with at least one such connecting device (100).