Orthopedic Clamp with Longitudinal Handle for Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic clamps, such as forceps-style and C-clamps, face challenges in positioning and securing bone fragments during surgery due to transverse handle extensions, which limit access and increase the risk of inadvertent movement, and C-clamps obstruct the surgical field with upwardly extending handles.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic clamp with a pair of clamps mounted on a metal connector, featuring variable size openings, longitudinal displacement, and rotational adjustability, made from radiolucent plastic for improved visibility and access, with a spring mechanism for secure bone grip, allowing for precise adjustment and secure fixation without compromising the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forceps-style clamps are used, then clamping force can be applied, but the transverse handle extension obstructs surgical access and increases risk of inadvertent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp handle is inverted from the conventional transverse extension to a longitudinal configuration that extends away from the surgical site in the same direction as the clamping force, eliminating obstruction to surgical access while maintaining clamp stability through proper force alignment
2Ease of operation
If C-clamps are used, then surgical access is improved, but the upwardly extending handle obstructs the surgical field
Solution Approach 1:
The handle function is extracted and repositioned to extend longitudinally away from the surgical site rather than upward, removing the obstruction to the surgical field while maintaining the clamping function through proper force vector alignment
3Strength
If rigid metal clamps are used, then structural strength is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases and single-use application becomes less economical
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp material is changed from rigid metal to radiolucent plastic, altering the physical parameters to achieve sufficient structural strength for temporary fixation while enabling cost-effective single-use disposable applications and providing radiolucency for improved imaging visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed as a disposable single-use device made from inexpensive radiolucent plastic, eliminating the need for expensive metal construction while ensuring adequate strength for temporary bone fragment fixation during surgery
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
The clamp provides stable and adjustable fixation of bone fragments, enhancing surgical access and reducing the risk of accidental movement, while being cost-effective and suitable for single-use disposable applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring applies a force between the first and second arms to bias the first and second arms away from each other into an open configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A bone clamping device includes a pair of clamps mounted on a clamp connector. Each clamp has a variable size opening that varies in size transverse to the clamp connector. At least one clamp is longitudinally and angularly displaceable relative to the other along the clamp connector. The clamps are preferably made from a plastic and the clamp connector is preferably made from metal.