Helical Elastic Closure Unit for Bone Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing removable plugs for axial bone consolidation implants, such as the ENDOVIS nail, are difficult to insert correctly due to limited space, requiring considerable time and multiple attempts, leading to potential instability and increased risk of the plug exiting the nail during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A removable closure unit with a helically shaped groove and complementary stem that can be elastically deformed for easy insertion and secure locking, utilizing a standard tool for alignment and insertion, and allowing for easy extraction by unscrewing, featuring a main body with a seat for a movement tool and coupling elements with a terminal receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded plug is used to close the proximal end of the nail, then the proximal end can be blocked, but the limited space makes insertion difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates an elastic deformation mechanism that allows it to dynamically change shape during insertion. The body deforms elastically to pass through the proximal end opening and then returns to its original shape to engage the locking grooves, enabling quick one-handed insertion without requiring precise alignment or multiple attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The plug utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. The body's elastic properties allow it to temporarily change its dimensional parameters during insertion to fit through the opening, then revert to its stable configuration to secure the locking engagement, reducing insertion time while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a threaded plug is used to close the proximal end of the nail, then the proximal end can be blocked, but multiple attempts are needed to achieve correct alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformation capability allows the plug to adapt dynamically to the insertion geometry. The body flexes during insertion to navigate the opening and automatically aligns with the locking grooves through elastic recovery, eliminating the need for multiple alignment attempts and enabling simple one-handed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The plug's elastic body performs self-alignment during insertion. The deformation and recovery process automatically positions the locking protrusions into the grooves without requiring external alignment tools or multiple adjustment attempts, making the operation simple and reliable
3Ease of operation
If a threaded plug is used to close the proximal end of the nail, then the proximal end can be blocked, but the plug may subsequently exit from the nail
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body provides dynamic stability through continuous elastic forces. After insertion, the elastic recovery forces maintain constant pressure on the locking grooves, creating a stable locked state that prevents unintended exit while allowing controlled removal when force is applied to the hexagonal drive interface
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses curved locking grooves that complement the shape of the protrusions. The curved geometry creates a mechanical interlock that resists extraction forces, enhancing stability while maintaining simple insertion through the elastic deformation mechanism
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
Facilitates quicker and more stable insertion and removal of the closure unit, reducing surgical time and risk of unintended exit, while being cost-effective and simple to apply, using metallic materials for optimal mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
The stem can be deformed elastically from a free configuration in which it protrudes outward with respect to the groove 9, to a configuration in which it is fully inserted within the groove 9
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A removable closure unit (1) for axial bone consolidation implants (2), comprising a main body (3) which is substantially axially symmetrical and is provided, at a first end (4), with a seat (5) for coupling to a movement tool and, at a second end (6), with elements (7) for coupling to a terminal receptacle (8) of the corresponding axial implant (2). The coupling elements (7) comprise a groove (9) which has a substantially helical shape and a stem (10) which also has a substantially helical shape which is complementary with respect to the groove (9) and is accommodated with play within the groove (9). The stem (10) can be deformed elastically from a free configuration, in which it protrudes outward with respect to the groove (9), to a configuration deformed by radially oriented external actions, in which it is completely inserted within the groove (9).