Orthopedic Retaining System Selective Movement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic retaining systems either allow full movability of the head part, retaining bar, and threaded shaft or completely restrict movement when the clamping device is actuated, lacking the ability to selectively curtail individual elements of movability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastically deformable pressure element within the clamping device that secures the threaded shaft first and then the retaining bar, allowing step-wise blocking of movements with a single tool, enabling selective restriction of pivotability and displaceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping device is actuated to secure the threaded shaft and retaining bar, then the pivotability and displaceability are completely restricted, but the operator cannot selectively curtail individual elements of movability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into two functional components: a clamping element that secures the threaded shaft and an elastically deformable pressure element that secures the retaining bar. This segmentation allows independent control of pivotability (via clamping element) and displaceability (via pressure element), enabling selective restriction of movement types without requiring entirely separate clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure element is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing its clamping force to be adjusted by varying the actuation distance of the clamping device. This parameter change enables progressive securing: initially allowing retention bar displacement for alignment, then fully restricting it when needed, while the clamping element independently controls threaded shaft pivotability.
2Ease of operation
If the threaded shaft is freely pivotable and the retaining bar is freely displaceable for alignment, then the alignment process is simplified, but the system lacks stability during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fully-secured state to a dynamic partially-secured state during operation. The clamping device can be actuated to different extents: initially allowing movement for ease of alignment, then progressively restricting movement as needed. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt between operational phases (alignment vs. final positioning) without requiring complete freedom or complete restriction of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable pressure element is pre-positioned to allow retaining bar displacement during the alignment phase. This preliminary permissive state enables easy alignment operations. Once alignment is complete, further actuation of the clamping device causes the pressure element to deform and secure the retaining bar, transitioning to a stable final state without requiring system disassembly or tool changes.
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 the operator to adjust the retaining system by restricting pivotability while maintaining displaceability of the retaining bar, simplifying alignment and providing a secure fixing of all movements with incremental clamping forces.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping device comprises an elastically deformable pressure element which, during actuation of the clamping device in the head part in the direction towards its underside, is displaced into a clamping position and abuts first of all on the clamping element and then on the retaining bar with further displacement and elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic retaining system comprising at least one bone screw which has a head part and a threaded shaft pivotally mounted thereon is disclosed. A clamping element is mounted in the head part, which can be pressed against the threaded shaft from its upper side and, as a result, secure the threaded shaft relative to the head part. A retaining bar is arranged in a receptacle of the head part and extends essentially transversely to the threaded shaft. A clamping device is provided on the upper side of the head part, by means of which the clamping element and the retaining bar are pressed into the head part such that the threaded shaft and the retaining bar are secured in position relative to the head part. The clamping device comprises an elastically deformable pressure element which is displaced into a clamping position during actuation of the clamping device.