Hole Transporter for External Fixator Ring Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-ring external fixator arrangements are not versatile enough to accommodate extended angles of fixation, making it difficult for surgeons to affix struts to holes when the strut cannot reach the ring due to geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
A hole transporter device with a transport beam and flanges, where one flange has a pin and a hole, and the other has a hole parallel to it, allowing the hole to be extended and repositioned without angular distortion, enabling the strut to be secured to the extended hole location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional two-ring external fixator arrangement is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is not versatile enough to accommodate extended angles of fixation when struts cannot reach the ring due to geometric constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three main segments: a first flange with a first hole for attachment to the external fixator ring, a transport beam connecting the flanges, and a second flange with a second hole for strut attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport beam acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the first flange (attached to the ring) and the second flange (for strut attachment). It extends the effective reach of the fixator system, enabling strut attachment at extended angles without requiring the strut to reach the original ring holes.
2Ease of operation
If the hole is extended to a new position away from the ring, then the strut can be secured at extended locations, but the orientation must be maintained without angular distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the positional parameter of the hole from the ring to an extended location on the second flange, while maintaining the orientational parameter (parallel alignment) through the geometric design of the transport beam and flanges. This allows the hole to be relocated without angular distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport beam and flange configuration creates an asymmetric extension from the ring, allowing the second hole to be positioned at a specific extended location while maintaining parallel orientation. The asymmetric design enables reachability of strut attachment points that would be inaccessible with symmetric traditional arrangements.
3Length of moving object
If the transport beam extends the hole position away from the ring, then the reachability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport beam and flange assembly serves multiple functions: it extends the hole position, maintains orthogonal orientation, provides a mounting interface for struts, and preserves the ability to attach to standard external fixator rings. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The first flange attaches to the existing external fixator ring structure, and the second flange with its hole is nested on the extended transport beam, creating a nested configuration where the hole transporter integrates with the existing fixator system rather than replacing it entirely.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a hole extender, in which a hole transporter includes a transport beam having a first flange with a first flange pin and a first flange hole, and at the other end of the transport beam is a second flange with a second flange hole. Key features of the present hole transporter include that the main direction of each flange is perpendicular to the beam, and the direction of the second flange hole is parallel to the direction of the first flange hole.