Orthopedic Fixation Device Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic fixation devices, such as Jurgan's balls, face challenges in securely fastening set screws during surgery and maintaining stability over time due to the difficulty in engaging small instruments and the susceptibility of set screws to loosening as the patient moves.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device with a housing and locking assembly that allows sliding along an orthopedic device in one direction while preventing sliding in the opposite direction, utilizing a biasing mechanism and locking clamp to secure the device in place, which can be easily assembled and disassembled for surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a set screw is used to fix the Jurgan's ball at a particular location, then the device can be positioned, but it requires small instruments to tighten which are difficult to engage during surgery and the set screw becomes loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate components: a housing, a locking assembly with clamp, and a set screw. The locking assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the action of tightening a large external set screw into secure positioning of the internal clamp against the K-wire, eliminating the need to directly tighten small internal fasteners during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the external set screw and the internal positioning structure. When the external set screw is tightened, it actuates the locking assembly which then secures the clamp against the K-wire, providing reliable fixation without requiring direct access to small internal fasteners
2Ease of operation
If a set screw is used to secure the device, then positioning is possible, but the set screw is susceptible to becoming loose over time as the patient moves about
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly incorporates a dynamic clamping mechanism that can adapt to movement and maintain secure engagement. The clamp is designed to maintain frictional contact with the K-wire even during patient movement, preventing loosening while allowing initial easy positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is pre-configured within the housing to automatically engage and secure the clamp when the set screw is tightened. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the fixation structure is already optimized for stability before the tightening action occurs, preventing future loosening
3Reliability
If a locking assembly with clamp is used to secure the fixation device to the K-wire, then stable fixation is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly integrates multiple functions into a single compact mechanism: the clamp, the biasing element, and the locking features are combined into one assembly that fits within the housing. This merging provides stable fixation through frictional engagement while minimizing the number of separate components and overall structural complexity
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 device provides stable and secure orthopedic fixation by applying compression and hindering movement, ensuring effective immobilization of orthopedic devices during treatment and easy removal when necessary, enhancing surgical efficiency and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The locking assembly is configured to allow the device to slide along an elongate orthopedic device in a first direction and to hinder the device from sliding along an elongate orthopedic device in a second direction that is opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a housing and a locking assembly disposed within a spaced defined by the housing. The housing defines a hole that extends through the housing. The locking assembly is configured to allow the device to slide along an elongate orthopedic device in a first direction and to hinder the device from sliding along an elongate orthopedic device in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.