Pectus Bar Connector Locking Structure for Stable Chest Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pectus excavatum surgical treatments face challenges in maintaining stability and preventing relative movement of pectus bars during breathing and physical motion due to the lack of an effective connecting member.

Innovation Solution

A pectus bar apparatus with a connecting member featuring aligned slots and fixation screws, secured by a plug member, which locks the pectus bars together to prevent relative movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If pectus bars are joined by a connecting member to prevent relative movement, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of pectus barsVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into distinct functional segments: slots for bar insertion, fixation screws for securing, and a plug member for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving stable fixation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plug member is inserted into the slots of the connecting member to lock the fixation screws in place. This nested structure allows the plug to securely engage with the slots without requiring additional external components, thereby preventing relative movement of pectus bars while avoiding excessive device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If fixation screws are used to secure pectus bars, then reliability of fixation is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of pectus bar fixationVSAvoidease of manufacturing connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation screws are integrated directly into the connecting member structure, with slots designed to receive and secure the screws. This merging of the screw mechanism with the connecting member body eliminates the need for separate fixation components, thereby ensuring reliable pectus bar fixation while simplifying the manufacturing process through reduced part count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If slots with retention shoulders are designed in the connecting member, then prevention of screw removal is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of screw removalVSAvoidcomplexity of slot structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slots are designed with asymmetric retention shoulders that create a one-way locking mechanism. The plug member engages with these asymmetric features to prevent screw removal while allowing insertion. This asymmetric design achieves reliable screw retention through simple geometric features rather than complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12551253B2Pectus excavatum treating apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 NOTRICA DAVID M

AI summary

A pectus excavatum treating apparatus or assembly having two pectus bars joined by a connecting member.