External Fixator Hinged Half-Ring for Foot Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation systems for bone deformities, particularly those affecting the foot and ankle, lack flexibility and motion, making it difficult for patients to perform daily adjustments and limiting optimal clinical outcomes due to static and non-adjustable components.
Innovation Solution
An external fixation frame design featuring adjustable length struts with universal and constrained hinge joints, a hingedly coupled half-ring, and a rocker member for improved access and mobility, allowing for precise adjustments and enhanced patient convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a solid and stationary half-ring is assembled to the foot ring, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and motion are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The half-ring is transformed from a solid stationary structure to a dynamic structure with hinge joints that enable controlled motion. The hinge joints allow the half-ring to pivot relative to the foot ring, providing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through the铰链 connection mechanism.
2Strength
If adjustment points are located between the ends of struts, then structural integrity is maintained, but patient access for adjustments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is repositioned from the traditional location between strut ends to the distal end of the foot ring, utilizing a different spatial location that is more accessible to patients. The hinge joint mechanism at the distal end allows adjustments to be made from the foot side, improving patient access while maintaining structural integrity through the铰链 connection.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment with wrench is used, then precise control is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the patient without requiring external tools like wrenches. The hinge joint mechanism at the distal end of the foot ring allows the patient to perform adjustments themselves by simply manipulating the connection point, making the device self-servicing and eliminating the need for additional tools.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are external fixation frames for correcting bone deformities. The external fixation frames include a top fixation ring and a bottom fixation ring coupled to one another by at least two struts. A half ring is coupled to bottom fixation ring. The bottom fixation ring is u-shaped. One or more rocker members may be coupled to the bottom fixation ring. The half ring may be hingedly coupled to the bottom fixation ring such that it can rotate with respect to the bottom fixation ring from a first position to a second position.