Radiolucent Telescopic Fixation Strut for X-Ray Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation devices, such as the Ilizarov Apparatus and Taylor Spatial Frame, face issues with strut replacement complexity, X-ray visibility obstruction, assembly time, patient comfort, and transport/storage challenges.
Innovation Solution
The improved external fixator strut features a radiolucent plastic material with telescopic shafts and a manual clamp mechanism, allowing easy axial movement and micrometric regulation, along with ball-and-socket joints for angular adjustment and folding for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal struts are used in external fixation devices, then structural strength is improved, but X-ray visibility is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to radiolucent plastic, fundamentally altering the radiopacity characteristic to allow X-ray visibility while maintaining structural functionality through telescopic shaft design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction with radiolucent plastic housing and integrated metal or radiopaque components, creating a material system that balances radiolucency for imaging with sufficient mechanical strength for structural support
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixation devices are used, then structural stability is maintained, but assembly and adjustment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the strut into segmented telescopic shafts that can be independently adjusted, allowing modular assembly and rapid length adjustment without complete disassembly, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms including telescopic shafts with locking features and ball-and-socket joints that allow quick reconfiguration during surgery, enabling rapid adaptation to different anatomical requirements while preserving frame stability
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-length struts are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different patient needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed-length struts into dynamically adjustable telescopic structures with locking mechanisms, allowing the same manufactured component to adapt to various length requirements for different patients and surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal telescopic struts that can serve multiple functions including length adjustment, angular positioning via ball-and-socket joints, and stable locking when positioned, making a single component type suitable for diverse clinical applications
4Strength
If non-folding fixation devices are used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but transport and storage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates ball-and-socket joints that allow the fixation frame to dynamically fold into a compact configuration for transport and storage, then rigidize into a stable structure during surgical application, thus reconciling rigidity requirements with compactness needs
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to external fixation struts and systems utilizing the external fixation struts. The struts include an elongated body comprising a first and a second hollow tubular shaft and include opposite connectors respectively coupled to an end portion of the first or the second shaft and each including a ball and socket joint. One shaft may have an internal diameter that is slightly larger than the external diameter than the other shaft to host internally the other shaft in a slidably and telescopic manner. A clamp element may provide a fast gripping action stopping the telescopic sliding of one shaft inside the other shaft. Each ball and socket joint connector may be structured to allow an angular movement of the corresponding connector with a spherical angle up to at least 90°.