Orthopedic External Fixation Pin Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for temporary stabilization of bone fractures are either bulky, incompatible with imaging techniques, or pose a risk of infection due to complex and time-consuming installation processes, particularly with external fixation devices that require multiple pins.

Innovation Solution

An orthopedic external fixation device comprising distal and proximal pin assemblies with a rod-clamp system that connects them, using screw portions and support sheath portions with elongated channels and blades for secure engagement with bone fragments, allowing for rapid and stable temporary stabilization of fractures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current temporary fixators employ at least four separate pins to achieve fixation, then the fracture stabilization is effective, but the installation time increases and the risk of infection at exposed pin entry sites increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture stabilization effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate pins into a single integrated pin assembly that can engage multiple bone fragments simultaneously. The pin assembly includes a main pin with lateral projections that can engage with multiple bone fragments, eliminating the need for four or more separate pins. This merging reduces installation time while maintaining effective fracture stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin assembly is segmented into multiple functional components including a main pin, lateral projections, and engagement features that can interact with different bone fragments. This segmentation allows the single pin assembly to perform the function of multiple separate pins, reducing installation complexity and time while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If current temporary fixators employ at least four separate pins to achieve fixation, then the fracture stabilization is effective, but the risk of infection at exposed pin entry sites increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture stabilization effectivenessVSAvoidinfection risk at pin entry sites

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate pins into a single integrated pin assembly, reducing the number of exposed pin entry sites from four or more to one or two. This merging significantly reduces the risk of infection at exposed sites while maintaining effective fracture stabilization through the multi-projection design of the pin assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traction systems are used for temporary fracture stabilization, then the bone fragments are properly aligned, but the procedure becomes bulky and the patient cannot move for an extended period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone fragment alignmentVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the bulky traction system and integrates it into a compact external fixation device. The pin assembly with lateral projections provides inherent alignment capability without requiring the patient to remain in a fixed traction position, thereby maintaining bone fragment alignment while enabling patient mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If permanent external fixation devices with multi-pin circular frames are used, then the fracture stabilization is effective, but the installation process takes hours and the complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture stabilization effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple pins, frames, and connectors into a single integrated pin assembly that can be installed rapidly. The lateral projections on the main pin provide both stabilization and alignment functions that previously required complex multi-component systems, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin assembly is designed with segmented functional elements (main pin, lateral projections, engagement features) that can be inserted and configured in a single operation, eliminating the need for sequential installation of multiple separate components. This segmentation enables rapid deployment while maintaining the stabilization effectiveness of complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10166045B2Orthopedic external fixation device

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 FIXX ORTHOPEDICS

AI summary

Devices for the fixation of a bone fracture and methods of using the devices are provided. The devices comprise at least one distal pin assembly configured to engage a first bone fragment, at least one proximal pin assembly configured to engage a second bone fragment, and a pin connector assembly configured to connect the distal and proximal pin assemblies together across the bone fracture.