Rotatable Bone Fixation Clamp with Universal Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation systems lack flexibility and versatility in allowing for precise positioning and controlled movement of bone parts post-surgery, particularly in spinal surgery where growth and alignment of vertebrae need to be managed.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation device with rotatable clamps and a housing system that allows for universal movement and locking of fixation rods, enabling precise positioning and controlled movement of bone parts, including the use of split ball elements and sleeves for controlled separation and curvature adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bone fixation device uses fixed clamps and housing, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and versatility for precise positioning and controlled movement of bone parts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clamps and housing rotatable relative to each other, allowing the device to transition from a fixed to a movable state. The clamps can rotate on the housing to achieve universal movement for precise positioning of bone parts, and then be locked in place to maintain the desired configuration. This dynamic capability provides flexibility and versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If the fixation device allows universal movement of clamps, then precise positioning is achieved, but the risk of accidental movement or loosening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-configured locking mechanisms that are ready to secure the clamps and housing in the desired position once the preliminary orientation is established. The locking mechanisms can be activated to prevent any further movement, ensuring that the precise positioning achieved during surgery is maintained and accidental movement or loosening is prevented.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are provided for securing clamps and plates, then reliability and security are improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple locking mechanisms into a unified system where the clamps and housing share common locking features. The clamps can be locked to the housing, and the housing can be locked to the screw, creating a coordinated locking system. This approach provides reliable secure locking while minimizing the number of separate moving parts compared to having independent locking mechanisms for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixation device has a housing on the exposed head of a screw mounted in a bone part from which it projects. A clamp for a fixation rod is mounted on a plate extending from each of opposite lateral sides of the housing in such a manner that allows the plate to rotate about a lateral axis relative to the housing. Each clamp is itself rotatable on its plate about an axis perpendicular to its respective lateral axis, and thereby provides universal movement relative to the housing. Mechanisms are provided for closing the clamps, for locking each plate against rotation about its lateral axis, and blocking each clamp against rotation about its perpendicular axis. In this way rods can be fixed in the clamps and relative to the device.