Multi-Axial Bone Plate Fixation via Conical Head Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone plate fixation systems face challenges in securely attaching fixation components at various angles without causing substantial wear or mechanical failure, particularly when the materials and geometries of the plate and screws differ significantly.
Innovation Solution
A bone repair kit featuring a composite material bone plate with unthreaded cylindrical holes and fixation components, such as screws, with conical heads made of harder materials that deform the plate upon insertion, providing secure locking through friction and interference without significant wear or mechanical failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixation components with conical heads made of harder materials are used to deform the plate for secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the material deformation and potential mechanical failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using a harder material for the fixation component head compared to the plate material. This parameter change enables the head to deform the plate material plastically during insertion, creating a interference fit that provides secure locking while maintaining overall structural integrity through controlled deformation
2Reliability
If the fixation holes have a diameter smaller than that of the fixation devices, then the self-threading and locking capability is improved, but the insertion force and risk of mechanical failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a conical head geometry for the fixation component. The conical shape allows gradual engagement with the plate material during insertion, distributing the insertion force over a larger area and reducing peak stresses. The tapered geometry facilitates progressive deformation of the plate material, enabling self-threading action while controlling the required insertion force
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fixation devices deform the interior walls of the fixation holes for self-threading, then the adaptability for various insertion angles is improved, but the wear and material loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction where the fixation component consists of a harder head material and a softer body material (or different material properties). This composite approach allows the harder head to deform the plate for self-threading and angular adaptability, while the softer body minimizes wear during insertion and maintains structural integrity. The differential material properties enable the deformation function without excessive material loss
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 multi-axial insertion and secure locking of fixation components at various angles, reducing material deformation and wear, while maintaining structural integrity and facilitating optimal positioning for effective bone fixation.
Implementation Method 1
the head has a geometry including at least one protrusion, which geometry does not match a geometry of the hole... locking comprises deforming one or both of an aperture portion of the plate and a locking portion of the component that locks with the aperture portion
Implementation Method 2
providing secure locking through friction and interference without significant wear or mechanical failure
Data Source
AI summary
A bone repair kit, comprising: (a) a composite material bone plate having at least one hole; (b) at least one fixation component sized for locking in said hole and having a head, wherein said head has a geometry including at least one protrusion, which geometry does not match a geometry of said hole. This mismatch can support locking at a range of angles, such as 5-15 degrees between the fixation component and an axis of the hole.