Self-adjustable Pectus Reconstruction Bar with Sliding Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic internal fixation implants for pectus excavatum cannot automatically adjust to conform to human growth or respiratory changes, leading to discomfort and potential need for re-implantation.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjustable pectus reconstruction system with a pectus reconstruction bar and fixing units that allow sliding slots and connectors to adjust with breathing movements, providing an expanded space and arc-shaped design for ergonomic fit, reducing pain and foreign body sensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional metal plate is placed behind the sternum to push out the concave sternum, then the sternum can be corrected, but the implant cannot automatically adjust to conform to human growth or respiratory changes, leading to discomfort and potential need for re-implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static metal plate into a dynamic system with sliding slots and connectors that can automatically adjust their position. The sliding slots allow the connectors to move along the bar's length, enabling the implant to adapt to respiratory movements and growth changes without requiring external intervention or causing discomfort to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing a self-adjusting mechanism where the sliding slots and connectors automatically respond to physiological changes. The system uses the patient's own respiratory movements and growth to drive the adjustment process, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or repeated surgical interventions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-length metal plate is used for pectus excavatum correction, then the surgery is simple, but it causes growth limitation in adolescents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the implant dynamic through sliding slots that allow automatic length adjustment. The bar maintains its simple structural form for easy implantation while the sliding mechanism enables it to grow with the patient, accommodating adolescent growth without requiring complex pre-surgical planning or custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by having the sliding connectors move within the hollow structure of the bar. The connectors are nested within the bar's length, allowing them to slide freely along the longitudinal axis while remaining contained within the overall structure, enabling growth accommodation without increasing external complexity.
3Strength
If a rigid metal plate is implanted to correct pectus excavatum, then structural support is provided, but it creates foreign body sensation and pain during breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces pain and foreign body sensation by making the implant dynamic rather than rigid. The sliding slots allow the structure to flex and adjust during respiratory movements, reducing mechanical stress on surrounding tissues and eliminating the sensation of a rigid foreign object interfering with natural breathing movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the flexible shells principle by creating a structure with sliding components that can move relative to each other, effectively making the rigid metal bar behave more like a flexible structure. This allows the implant to accommodate breathing movements without creating pain or foreign body sensation while maintaining sufficient structural support.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-adjustable pectus reconstruction system including: a pectus reconstruction bar having a first end and a first slot disposed on the first end; a first fixing unit having a first channel; and a first connector, wherein the first end of the pectus reconstruction bar is disposed in the first channel of the first fixing unit, and the first connector passes through the first slot to combine the pectus reconstruction bar with the first fixing unit, such that the first slot of the pectus reconstruction bar is capable of sliding back and forth around the first connector.