External Fixator Coupling Element with Pivoting Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixator systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to apply, requiring multiple elements and personnel, which increases costs and limits the degree of freedom in adjustments, necessitating a more efficient coupling element for faster application and reduced personnel costs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element for an external fixator with a rod coupling section, a pivoting section, and a post section that allows for adjustable orientation, featuring a tightening mechanism with screws and wedge elements to secure the components, enabling easier and more precise adjustment and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate elements are used to connect pins and rods in external fixators, then the system can provide stable fixation, but the application becomes cumbersome and time-consuming requiring multiple personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate elements (pin clamp, coupling element, and rod connector) into a single integrated coupling element. The coupling element features a post section that engages with the pin clamp, a rod coupling section that clamps the rod, and pivoting sections that enable adjustment. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components and personnel during application, directly resolving the contradiction between fixation stability and application speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate elements are used in the external fixator system, then various functions can be achieved, but the number of elements increases leading to higher personnel costs and longer application time
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: connecting to the pin clamp via the post section, clamping the rod via the rod coupling section, enabling orientation adjustment via pivoting sections, and providing locking capability via tightening elements. This universal design allows a single element to replace multiple specialized components, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional capability.
3Device complexity
If the coupling element has fixed orientation, then the structure is simpler, but the degree of freedom to adjust the coupling elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates pivoting sections with tightening elements that enable dynamic adjustment. The pivoting sections allow the rod coupling section to be rotated around a first axis and pivoted around a second axis relative to the post section. The tightening elements can lock these sections at desired orientations or allow movement when loosened. This dynamic design provides adjustment freedom while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adjustment freedom.
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
The coupling element allows for faster application and greater flexibility in adjusting the external fixator, reducing the need for multiple elements and personnel, thereby shortening surgery time and lowering costs while providing secure fixation of rods and pins.
Implementation Method 1
The tightening element comprises a screw and two wedge elements which are moveable against each other, wherein said wedge elements are in contact with a sloped flange of the post section, whereby upon actuation of the screw the wedge elements move together and due to sloped flange towards the plate in order to block the rotation of the pivoting section and pivot-motion of the post section
Implementation Method 2
The tightening element comprises a screw and two wedge elements which are moveable against each other, wherein said wedge elements are in contact with a sloped flange of the post section, whereby upon actuation of the screw the wedge elements move together
Data Source
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AI summary
Coupling element (E) for an external fixator arrangement to connect a pin clamp (C) that clamps at least one pin (P) or a rod (R) with a rod (R), wherein said coupling element (E) comprises a rod coupling section (1) to clamp said rod (R), wherein said coupling element (E) further comprises a post section (3) to be in an engagement via said pin clamp (C) with the pin (P) and an pivoting section (2) to adjust the orientation of the rod coupling section (1) relative to the post section (3) in the space. The rod coupling section (1) is rotatable around a first axis (M1) with respect to the pivoting section (2) and wherein via the pivoting section (2) the rod coupling section (1) is pivotable around a second axis (M2) with respect to said post section (3), wherein the second axis (M2) is arranged angular to the first axis (M1).