Modular Bone Plate with Projection-Groove Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular bone plates require a large inventory of different shapes and sizes to accommodate various fracture types and locations, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular bone plate system comprising interchangeable plate members with projection and groove connections, and connector members that allow for various bone anchor configurations, enabling the creation of customized bone plates with enhanced stiffness and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of different shaped and sized bone plates is maintained to accommodate various fracture types and locations, then the adaptability to different patient needs is improved, but the complexity of inventory management and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple interchangeable plate members that can be combined in different configurations. Each plate member has standardized connection portions with projections and grooves, allowing them to be assembled into various shapes and sizes to match different fracture patterns and bone locations, eliminating the need to manufacture and store numerous pre-configured plate types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portions are designed with universal features including projections, grooves, and holes that can accommodate different plate members and connector members. This universal interface allows a single set of standardized components to serve multiple functions and configurations, replacing the need for specialized plates for each specific application.
2Strength
If connector members are used to connect plate members together with holes arranged concentrically, then the strength of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it connects plate members together, accommodates bone anchors, and provides structural support. The concentric arrangement of holes in the connector member aligns with the holes in connection portions, allowing screws or bone anchors to pass through all components simultaneously, creating a strong integrated connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If projections with width smaller than plate member width are used in connection portions, then the adaptability for different configurations is improved, but the stiffness against bending forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection-groove connection is designed to transfer bending forces between plate members before the final tightening of connector members. The projection fits into the groove to create preliminary mechanical interlocking that resists bending forces, while the narrower width of the projection compared to the full plate member width allows for the necessary clearance and configurability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different connector members are provided to accommodate various bone anchors with different dimensions, then the versatility of applications is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different connector members have the same overall structure and external interface for connecting plate members, but feature localized variations in the internal geometry of the bone anchor receiving portion. Each connector member is optimized with specific dimensions and features tailored to accommodate particular bone anchor types, while maintaining compatibility with the universal connection system.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate member for a modular bone plate includes a top surface forming a top plane, a bottom surface forming a bottom plate, a first connection portion including a first hole with a center axis that intersects the top plane and the bottom plane. The first hole has an edge provided with a first projection and a first groove that extends substantially transverse to the center axis and which is configured to accommodate a projection from another member of the modular bone plate. The first groove has a groove width defined by sidewalls.