Multi-Axis Bone Positioning for Precise Small-Bone Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate cutting of relatively small bones, such as those in the foot or hand, is complicated due to the difficulty in positioning them correctly during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bone positioning device with fixation pins and multi-axis joints allows for precise alignment and fixation of bones, using blocks that can slide and rotate along fixation pins, and a bone cutting guide to ensure accurate cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fixation methods are used for small bones, then the surgical procedure is simpler, but the positioning accuracy and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into multiple independent blocks (first block, second block, third block) that can be separately adjusted and fixed to different bones. Each block can be independently positioned along fixation pins and secured with set screws, allowing precise control of each bone's position while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multi-axis joints that enable dynamic adjustment of block positions relative to each other. The blocks can move along fixation pins and rotate about axes defined by the multi-axis joints, allowing the surgeon to achieve optimal positioning before locking the configuration in place with set screws.
2Manufacturing precision
If bones are positioned to achieve accurate cuts, then the cut precision is improved, but the time required for positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows preliminary positioning and adjustment of blocks along fixation pins before final securing. The multi-axis joints enable pre-adjustment of angles and positions, allowing the surgeon to visualize and confirm the desired bone alignment before committing to the final positioned configuration, thereby ensuring cut precision without excessive time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with a simplified system of sliding blocks and multi-axis joints. Instead of requiring intricate mechanical fixtures and multiple adjustment steps, the blocks can be directly positioned along fixation pins and locked in place, reducing positioning time while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple fixation pins are used to secure blocks to bones, then the stability and reliability of positioning is improved, but the complexity of inserting and securing the pins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation pins serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical anchorage to the bones, guide the positioning blocks along their length, and serve as reference axes for the multi-axis joints. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate guidance structures and simplifies the overall insertion and securing process while maintaining high positioning stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone positioning device can include a fixation pin for attachment to a first bone and a fixation pin for attachment to a second bone. A first block having an aperture can be included for slidably receiving a fixation pin, and a second block having an aperture can be included for slidably receiving a fixation pin. A multi-axis joint can connect the first block and the second block, where the multi-axis joint allows the first second blocks to move with respect to each other about more than one axis.