Pivot Fastener Joint for Cranioplasty Decompression Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic systems for bone flaps in surgical procedures, such as craniotomies and craniectomies, are voluminous and exhibit unnecessary resistance to movement, leading to insufficient decompression and an unesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

A pivot fastener system comprising a body, head, and shoulder with a rotational joint, allowing for a pivot segment and abutment portion to facilitate a rotational joint with a prosthesis component, enabling out-of-plane deformation and unidirectional movement to manage intracranial pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic systems with telescopic or spring-based expansion are used, then bone flap movement capability is provided, but the system becomes voluminous and creates aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone flap movement capabilityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener system is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for attachment, a shaft for bone engagement, and a pivot mechanism with defined rotation axis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system volume while maintaining movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener incorporates a pivot mechanism that enables controlled rotational movement between the head and shaft portions. This dynamic capability allows the bone flap to move and expand intracranial volume without requiring bulky telescopic or spring-based expansion systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic systems with telescopic or spring-based expansion are used, then bone flap movement capability is provided, but unnecessary resistance to movement occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone flap movement capabilityVSAvoidresistance to movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism provides controlled rotational movement with minimal resistance, allowing the bone flap to move freely in response to intracranial pressure changes. Unlike spring-based systems that exert continuous elastic force, the pivot fastener offers frictionless or low-friction rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the movement parameter from linear expansion (telescopic) or elastic deformation (spring-based) to rotational pivoting. This parameter change reduces the force required for movement while maintaining the ability to expand intracranial volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic systems with telescopic or spring-based expansion are used, then bone flap movement capability is provided, but decompression effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone flap movement capabilityVSAvoiddecompression effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism enables reliable bone flap movement that directly translates to intracranial volume expansion. The controlled rotation provides consistent and predictable decompression effectiveness without the resistance and limitations of telescopic or spring-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic systems with telescopic or spring-based expansion are used, then bone flap movement capability is provided, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to lumps on the head

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone flap movement capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener components are designed with compact dimensions and smooth contours. The head, shaft, and pivot portions are segmented to minimize protrusion and create a streamlined appearance that does not create visible lumps on the patient's head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250345175A1Pivot fastener for bone/cranioplasty implants and prosthesis

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 ENCEPHALX INC

AI summary

An assembly comprising a cranioplasty prosthesis component having a connection hole(s). A pivot fastener may have a body being threaded and adapted to be screwed to cranium bone. A shoulder is between the body and a head of the pivot fastener, the shoulder having a circular section. A diametrical dimension of the circular section is less than a diametrical dimension of the connection hole, such that the shoulder forms a rotational joint with the cranioplasty component when the shoulder is in the connection hole.