Resilient Bone Cradle and Adjustable Rod Assembly for Growth Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable prosthetic rib (EPR) devices have limitations in adjustability, material rigidity, and contact area with the iliac crest, leading to inadequate support and potential increased kyphosis in patients, requiring frequent surgical revisions as the patient grows.
Innovation Solution
A bone support apparatus comprising a resilient material-based first bone cradle insert, a second bone connector, and an adjustable rod assembly with an expansion member, allowing for adjustable distance between the connectors to accommodate growth and improve anatomical fit, reducing the need for frequent surgical revisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials are used for EPR devices, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and shock absorption capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to resilient, allowing the bone connector to deform and absorb shocks while maintaining structural integrity. The resilient material enables the device to flex with patient movement and absorb impact forces without fracturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining resilient material for the bone connector with rigid materials for the rod assembly, creating a hybrid structure that exhibits both flexibility and strength. This composite approach allows different parts of the device to have optimized properties for their specific functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If S-shaped hooks are used to attach to the iliac crest, then attachment is achieved, but contact area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved, contoured bone connector design that conforms to the natural curvature of the iliac crest, maximizing the contact surface area. The curved geometry allows the connector to wrap around and engage more extensively with the bone surface compared to a simple S-shaped hook.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient bone connector acts as a flexible element that can deform to match the irregular surface of the iliac crest, creating intimate contact across a larger area. The flexibility allows the connector to adapt to anatomical variations and maintain consistent contact pressure.
3Device complexity
If expandable sections are limited to the thoracic region, then device complexity is reduced, but expansion capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rod assembly into multiple modular segments that can be independently adjusted or expanded. This segmentation allows for incremental length adjustments without requiring complete device replacement, effectively increasing expansion capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides enhanced adjustability and support, reducing the frequency of surgical revisions by allowing for growth accommodation and improved anatomical fit, thereby stabilizing the thorax and promoting lung growth without increasing kyphosis.
Implementation Method 1
a first bone cradle insert configured to contact a patient's bone and constructed of a resilient material
Data Source
AI summary
A bone support apparatus includes a first bone connector with a first bone cradle insert configured to contact a patient's bone and constructed of a resilient material, a second bone connector configured to contact a patient's bone, and an adjustable rod assembly having a first end connected to the first bone connector and a second end connected to the second bone connector. The adjustable rod assembly has a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and an expansion member with a first end adjustably connected to the first elongated member and a second end adjustably connected to the second elongated member. The distance between the first bone connector and the second bone connector is adjustable by moving at least one of the first end and the second end relative to the first and second elongated member.