Ring Fixator Wire Tensioning With Integrated Clamp Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring fixators require separate clamping and tensioning instruments, which are time-consuming in surgical operations, and often necessitate additional personnel to hold the fixator in place during installation.
Innovation Solution
A combined clamp and tensioner instrument is used to simplify the process, reducing the need for multiple instruments and personnel, and a soft tissue spacer is incorporated to stabilize the fixator during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate clamping and tensioning instruments are used, then the fixator can be securely installed, but the operation time increases and additional personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate clamping and tensioning instruments into a single integrated instrument. The instrument includes a clamping mechanism with jaws for gripping the wire and a tensioning mechanism with a ratchet system for applying and maintaining tension, allowing both functions to be performed sequentially by one tool without requiring instrument changes or additional personnel
2Reliability
If separate clamping and tensioning instruments are used, then the fixator can be securely installed, but the personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates clamping and tensioning functions into one instrument that can be operated by a single person. The instrument features a clamping mechanism for securing the wire and a built-in tensioning mechanism with ratchet and pawl system, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to hold and tension the wire separately
3Productivity
If a combined clamp and tensioner instrument is used, then operation time and personnel requirements are reduced, but the instrument complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined instrument is divided into distinct functional modules: a clamping mechanism with movable and fixed jaws, a tensioning mechanism with ratchet and pawl components, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each function to be independently designed and operated while maintaining overall integration, making the complex instrument manageable and efficient to use
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument employs a ratchet and pawl mechanism as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the wire tensioning process. This intermediary mechanism automatically maintains tension without requiring continuous user effort, simplifying the operation despite the instrument's internal complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates generally to ring fixators and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, for example, a ring fixator assembly comprises a ring configured to surround a fractured bone, a retention device disposed at a first position on the ring, and a tensioner clamp disposed at a second position on the ring. A wire extends between the retention device and the tensioner clamp. The tensioner clamp includes a first screw configured to secure the wire in position with respect to the tensioner clamp and a second screw configured to apply additional tension to the wire.