Polyaxial Ankle Fixation Clamping Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation systems for joints and fractured bones are often complex, obstructive, and not suitable for temporary stabilization, especially in emergency or rural settings, where they can interfere with healing and obstruct medical access.
Innovation Solution
A clamping assembly with a polyaxial joint system, featuring a longitudinal member with clamps and a spherical clamping surface, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment of bone pins without the need for spanning members, facilitating easier alignment and reduced interference with the healing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixation systems are used, then stabilization function is provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixation system is divided into separate modular components: a fixation device with clamps, a rod assembly, and bone pins. Each component can be independently applied and adjusted, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stabilization function. The clamps can be attached to the rod assembly in different configurations to accommodate various bone structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable clamps with spherical portions that allow dynamic positioning and alignment. The clamps can be rotated and adjusted to achieve optimal angles for stabilization, providing adaptability without requiring complex pre-configured structures. This dynamic adjustment capability simplifies the overall device design.
2Reliability
If traditional external fixation systems are used, then stabilization function is provided, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fixation system into independent clamps, rod assembly, and bone pins, the operation is simplified into sequential steps: first apply clamps to the rod assembly, then attach bone pins to the clamps. This modular approach makes the procedure more manageable and easier to perform compared to monolithic traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical portions of the clamps enable easy alignment and adjustment through rotational movement. The spherical geometry allows the clamps to be positioned at various angles and locked into place, providing intuitive operation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. This spherical design simplifies the alignment process significantly.
3Strength
If spanning members are used, then structural support is provided, but accessibility is obstructed and interference with healing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spanning member component from the traditional external fixation system. Instead of using spanning members to provide structural support, the system achieves support through the rod assembly combined with directly attached clamps and bone pins. This removal of the obstructive spanning member improves accessibility and reduces interference with the healing process while maintaining necessary structural support.
4Reliability
If complex external fixation systems are used, then stabilization is achieved, but device complexity increases making them unsuitable for temporary stabilization in emergency settings
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into portable, independently applicable components that can be assembled in the field. The clamps, rod assembly, and bone pins can be applied in a sequential manner without requiring complex pre-assembly or specialized equipment. This segmentation enables the system to be used for temporary stabilization in emergency settings while maintaining effective stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable and dynamic nature of the clamps with spherical portions allows for rapid positioning and securing during emergency situations. The system can be quickly adapted to different anatomical structures and injury patterns without requiring complex pre-configured components, making it suitable for temporary stabilization in resource-limited environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, a clamping assembly includes a longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, the second end defining a first clamp, a second clamp configured to attach to the first end of the longitudinal member and connect to a rod assembly, a clamping member including a first end, a second end defining a spherical portion, and a third clamp, where the first clamp of the longitudinal member is configured to receive the second end of the clamping member.