Flexible Bone Fixation Device with Elastic Spanning Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal bone fixation devices fail to restore the normal range of motion in bones after healing, as they provide static support without accommodating the dynamic biomechanics of the body.
Innovation Solution
A flexible bone fixation device comprising two fixation parts and a flexible spanning part with strategically placed cuts, allowing for elastic deformation and dynamic support that adapts to the motion of the applied part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid plates and screws are used for internal fixation, then the broken bones are held together stably, but the normal range of motion cannot be restored after healing
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fixation device transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic structure with flexible spanning parts that can elastically deform. The flexible spanning part includes cuts that allow the structure to bend and adapt to the natural motion of the bone while maintaining fixation stability, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and range of motion restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its mechanical parameters by incorporating flexible spanning parts with specific cut patterns that provide controlled elasticity. This allows the device to maintain high stiffness for stability when needed while permitting controlled deformation for motion restoration, effectively changing the mechanical behavior from rigid to semi-flexible.
2Strength
If rigid fixation devices are used to provide strong support, then the bone fragments are held firmly in place, but the device cannot respond to the dynamic motion of the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into multiple parts including rigid fixation elements and flexible spanning parts with cuts. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - the fixation parts provide strong anchoring while the flexible spanning parts with cuts provide elastic deformation capability to respond to bone motion dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible spanning part acts as a flexible element within the fixation device structure. It can elastically deform to accommodate bone motion while maintaining structural integrity, thus providing both strength and adaptability to dynamic conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible spanning parts with cuts are introduced to enable motion, then the range of motion is restored, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible spanning part is created by introducing cuts that segment the continuous structure into sections connected by flexible joints. This segmentation approach achieves the desired flexibility and motion capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture that can be manufactured and implanted.
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 flexible bone fixation device provides the necessary dynamic support to improve the restoration of bone motion, offering a balance of stiffness and flexibility to accommodate the biomechanics of the applied part.
Implementation Method 1
The first cuts enable the flexibility and resilience of the first flexible spanning part, thus the cooperation of the first fixation parts and the first flexible spanning part allows the flexible bone fixation device to provide a certain degree of stiffness in a specific direction to offer the required support and hold for the applied part while responding to the motion of the applied part.
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a flexible bone fixation device (1, 1') including two first fixation parts (10, 10') and a first flexible spanning part (20, 20'), connected between the two first fixation parts. The first flexible spanning part has a plurality of first cuts (211, 211') spaced apart by one another.