Osteosynthesis Pin Locking Mechanism for Bone Fracture Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing osteosynthesis fixation pins used for bone fracture reduction can migrate within the bone material due to stress, causing instability and potential damage to surrounding tissues, as they lack effective locking mechanisms to prevent movement.
Innovation Solution
An osteosynthesis device with a locking mechanism comprising a support structure and a clamping nut with deformable tabs that secure the fixation pin in place, utilizing a frustoconical locking orifice and nut thread to ensure stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth or threaded fixation pin is used for bone fracture reduction, then the pin can be easily inserted into the bone material, but the pin can migrate within the bone material due to stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation pin is pre-formed with a deformation zone and groove structure before insertion. The deformation zone is designed to be pliable during insertion but will deform permanently upon tightening, creating a self-locking mechanism that prevents migration without requiring post-insertion manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The pin's mechanical properties are changed along its length, with a deformation zone having different rigidity characteristics than the rest of the pin. This parameter variation allows the pin to be easily inserted (flexible) but firmly locked (rigid) when the deformation zone is compressed by the tightening member
2Reliability
If the protruding end of the pin is folded against the bone material or osteosynthesis plate to prevent migration, then pin displacement is limited, but the folding operation is difficult to carry out and only prevents migration in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the pin itself and implemented by a separate tightening member that acts on the pin's deformation zone. This separation allows the pin to remain simple and easy to insert while the locking mechanism provides multi-directional stabilization through controlled deformation of the pin's groove structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is pre-formed with a deformation zone and groove structure before insertion. The deformation zone is designed to be pliable during insertion but will deform permanently upon tightening, creating a self-locking mechanism that prevents migration without requiring post-insertion manipulation
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the fixation pin to prevent migration, then pin stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin incorporates a deformation zone with a groove structure that acts as a flexible element. This thin-walled or pliable section can be easily deformed by the tightening member to create a locking effect, providing reliable stabilization without requiring complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The pin's mechanical properties are changed along its length, with a deformation zone having different rigidity characteristics than the rest of the pin. This parameter variation allows the pin to be easily inserted (flexible) but firmly locked (rigid) when the deformation zone is compressed by the tightening member
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 effectively locks the fixation pin in position, preventing migration and enhancing stability of bone fracture reduction, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable clamping structure (59), adapted to deform when said locking nut (5) is screwed into said orifice tapping (45), and to come to bear against a part of the fixing pin (2) housed within said axial lumen (57)
Implementation Method 2
an external peripheral casing (54) comprising a nut thread (55) adapted to cooperate with said orifice tapping (45) of said locking orifice (42)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to an osteosynthesis device (1) comprising at least one fixation pin (2) suitable for being implanted in a bone material (R) so as to ensure an at least partial reduction of a bone fracture, which osteosynthesis device (1) comprises locking means (3) designed to lock in position the fixation pin (2) implanted in the bone material (R). The locking means (3) can comprise: (a) a support structure (4) provided with means (41) which enable its fixing on the bone material (R), and comprising a locking aperture (42) suitable for being passed through by the fixation pin (2), and (b) a clamping means (5) designed to be fitted in the locking aperture (42) and to come into abutment against a part of the fixation pin (2) in order to ensure its locking in position.