Modular Bone Plate Male-Female Connector Plug Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular bone plates face challenges in ease of assembly, durability, and adaptability to various clinical applications and anatomical situations, with limitations in adjustability and load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular bone plate design featuring interconnected members with male and female connection portions, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment, with optional locking mechanisms and angled configurations to enhance stability and load distribution, utilizing a plug member and locking cap for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple holes are provided in connection portions for engagement, then load distribution is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into male and female portions with complementary geometries. The male connection portion has a single hole with a specific cross-sectional shape that engages with the corresponding female portion, distributing loads through the geometric interlocking rather than requiring multiple holes.
Solution Approach 2:
A plug member acts as an intermediary element inserted into the overlapping holes of male and female connection portions. This single plug provides both anchoring function and load distribution across the connection interface, eliminating the need for multiple engagement holes while maintaining strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with multiple connection points is used, then adaptability to anatomical situations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female connection portions are designed as universal interfaces that can be combined in various configurations to create different bone plate constructs. The standardized single-hole engagement with plug member provides a universal connection mechanism that adapts to multiple anatomical situations without requiring different connection designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular bone plate system allows dynamic configuration where members can be connected in series to accommodate varying bone lengths and anatomical requirements. The simple single-hole plug connection enables easy assembly and disassembly for customization while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If engagement portion is made long for better connection, then connection strength is improved, but ease of assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female connection portions are pre-formed with complementary cross-sectional geometries that guide automatic alignment during insertion. The specific shape matching between male and female portions ensures proper orientation before the plug is inserted, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures despite adequate connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular bone plate is provided including at least a first and a second member each having a top surface and a bottom surface, the first member comprising a male connection portion with a single hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and the second member comprising a female connection portion with a single hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the male connection portion is insertable into the female connection portion such that the holes overlap and wherein an anchor or a plug member is insertable into the holes when they overlap.