Fixing Clamp with Adjustable Articulation Joints for Anatomical Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing clamps for tibial resection during surgery lack anatomical adaptation, leading to inconsistent clamping forces and potential hematomas due to spring-preloaded mechanisms that do not account for individual patient anatomy, resulting in inadequate fixation and high costs for manufacturing multiple variants.
Innovation Solution
The fixing clamp features independently positionable clamp arms on rotation joints with adjustable distance from support legs, allowing for constant holding force regardless of anatomy, and employs a form-fit locking mechanism to prevent excessive clamping force, eliminating the need for spring preload and facilitating easy assembly and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-preloaded clamp arms are used for fixation, then the clamp arms can automatically enclose and clamp the tibia or ankle joint, but the clamping force varies depending on patient anatomy leading to hematomas and insufficient fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force application from elastic spring preload to rigid form-fit locking. The clamp arms are no longer relied upon to maintain fixation through elastic deformation, but rather through precise geometric interlocking with the support fork and adjustable rod, eliminating the variability caused by anatomical differences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustability into the previously rigid clamp arm configuration. The clamp arms can be independently adjusted in position and orientation to match different anatomical configurations, transforming a static one-size-fits-all design into a dynamic, adaptable system that maintains reliable fixation across varying patient anatomies
2Reliability
If spring-preloaded clamp arms are used, then fixation is achieved, but the elastic deformation causes hematomas on the patient's body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the spring preload mechanism from the clamp arm design. By eliminating the elastic component, the source of excessive and variable clamping forces that cause hematomas is removed, while fixation reliability is maintained through the form-fit locking mechanism between the clamp arms, support fork, and adjustable rod
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of fixing clamps are manufactured for different anatomies, then optimal fitting for each patient is achieved, but manufacturing costs and manageability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fixing clamp design that can accommodate all anatomical variations through adjustment mechanisms. The single standardized clamp arm design with adjustable positioning and form-fit locking capability replaces the need for multiple anatomically-specific variants, achieving both adaptability and manufacturing efficiency
4Ease of manufacture
If clamp arms are force-fitted without anatomical adaptation, then manufacturing is simplified, but positionability and fixation quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the clamp arm positioning system, allowing the previously fixed, force-fitted configuration to be adapted to different anatomical requirements. The adjustable mechanisms enable precise positioning while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components
Data Source
AI summary
An aligning device and a fixing clamp for an aligning device for fixing and clamping a body extremity. The fixing clamp includes a first clamp arm, a second clamp arm, and a support fork or trough. The support fork or trough includes first and second support legs. The clamp also includes a section for mounting on or connecting to an adjusting rod, and first and second articulation joints on the support fork. The first clamp arm is rotatably articulated at one of the articulation joints about a first rotational axis, and the second clamp arm is rotatably articulated at the other of the articulation joints about a second rotational axis. The first articulation joint is displaceably mounted on the first support leg, and/or the second articulation joint is displaceably mounted on the second support leg of the support fork or trough.