Force Adjustable Spring Distractor for Cranial Bone Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone distraction devices often apply distraction forces incrementally rather than continuously, and lack adjustability, which is inadequate for conditions like craniosynostosis where continuous and adjustable force is necessary to prevent premature fusion of cranial bones.
Innovation Solution
A force-adjustable spring distractor device with a tensioning mechanism, comprising an elongated guide plate, anchor and distractor bodies, and a threaded force adjusting rod, allowing for continuous and adjustable distraction force application by elongating or shortening helical springs to maintain desired separation of cranial bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a bone distraction device applies distraction force incrementally, then the device structure can be simpler, but the treatment effectiveness for craniosynostosis deteriorates because continuous force is needed to prevent re-fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor body incorporates a threaded rod that enables dynamic adjustment of the spring tension, transforming a static distraction device into a dynamic one. This allows continuous force application and adjustment during the treatment process, ensuring treatment effectiveness while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through a single adjustable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The distraction force parameter can be continuously adjusted by rotating the threaded rod, which changes the tension applied to the spring. This parameter adjustability ensures that the optimal continuous force is maintained throughout treatment, preventing re-fusion while avoiding excessive force that could damage bone tissue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bone distraction device is designed to be force adjustable, then treatment adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod serves multiple functions: it adjusts the spring tension, maintains continuous force on the distractor body, and can be rotated to fine-tune the distraction force. This multi-functionality provides force adjustability and treatment adaptability while avoiding the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the distraction force is increased to prevent re-fusion, then treatment reliability improves, but the risk of bone damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based mechanism provides continuous mechanical feedback, where the spring compression distance directly reflects the applied force. This allows for controlled force application that can be adjusted in real-time, ensuring sufficient force to prevent re-fusion while maintaining control to avoid excessive force that could damage the bone.
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
Enables continuous and adjustable distraction force application, effectively preventing re-fusion of cranial bones during treatment, allowing for controlled expansion and shaping of the cranium, and can be adapted for use in other bone types.
Implementation Method 1
a first helical distraction spring coaxially disposed on the force adjusting rod and connecting both the first distractor body and the first anchor body; a second helical distraction spring coaxially disposed on the force adjusting rod and connecting both the second distractor body and the second anchor body
Implementation Method 2
an externally threaded force adjusting rod member, the force adjusting rod member comprising a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion oppositely threaded from the first threaded portion
Data Source
AI summary
A force adjustable spring distractor device having an elongated, relatively thin guide plate, a force adjusting rod member having first and second oppositely threaded portions, first and second anchor bodies mounted on the guide plate and the threaded portions of the rod, first and second distractor bodies mounted on the guide plate and the rod, and first and second distraction springs connecting the anchor bodies to the distractor bodies, whereby rotation of the force adjusting rod results in separation of the anchor bodies and elongation of the distraction springs, thereby imparting a separation force to the distractor bodies.