Quick Attachment Clamp for External Fixation Bar Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation systems for orthopedic surgery face challenges such as complex and time-consuming bar insertion, risk of component loss or fall during disassembly, and high manufacturing costs due to numerous pieces and heavy materials.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with auxiliary connection means that allows a steady open configuration for side bar insertion, preventing component loss and facilitating alignment, and a reduced component design with a connector that locks bars and screws, reducing the need for separate spacers and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If C-shaped bar attachments are used with connection screws, then bar fixation is achieved, but side insertion requires complete disassembly and reassembly of the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate attachments (first attachment with bar housing seat, second attachment with bar housing seat) that can be independently manipulated. The connector links these segmented parts, allowing the bar to be inserted between the separated attachments without disassembling the entire clamp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions between a tightened configuration (where the connector locks the attachments together) and an open configuration (where the connector is extracted to allow bar insertion). This dynamic reconfiguration enables easy side insertion while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Ease of operation
If clamps are disassembled during surgery for bar insertion, then bar access is improved, but risk of component loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp consists of separable attachments that can be independently handled during insertion. The first attachment and second attachment can be separated by extracting the connector, allowing bar insertion while keeping the components organized and identifiable, reducing the risk of loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element that can be extracted to separate the attachments for bar insertion, then reinserted to reassemble the clamp. This intermediary mechanism enables safe disassembly and reassembly without losing components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to compose the clamp, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp merges multiple functional elements into integrated attachments. Each attachment combines the bar housing seat, screw housing seat, and connection interfaces into a single unit, reducing the total number of separate pieces while maintaining configurability through the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachments are designed as universal components that can be configured in different arrangements using the connector. The same attachment design can serve multiple positions and functions in the external fixation system, reducing the variety of unique parts needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for an external fixator, preferably of the quick attachment type comprises at least one first attachment provided with at least one bar housing seat for a bar of the external fixator and/or with at least one screw housing seat for a bone screw; at least one second attachment provided with at least one bar housing seat; a connector which, in a tightened configuration, passes through said first attachment and said second attachment locking the bars and/or bone screws within the bar housing seats and/or the screw housing seats; and which, in an open configuration, frees the entrance to at least the bar housing seat of said second attachment; and auxiliary connection means between said first attachment and said second attachment which are active in said open configuration.