Segmented Bone Plate with Movable Joints for Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone plates for fracture fixation are either time-consuming to bend and weaken during the process, or require complex joint mechanisms that complicate their use and stability.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate system featuring two or more plate members connected by movable joints that allow adjustment in a single plane or multiple nonparallel planes, with the option to switch between movable and fixed configurations, enhancing flexibility and stability during fracture fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unitary bone plate is used, then the structure is simple and familiar, but the plate is time-consuming to bend and weakens during the bending process
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple segments connected by joints, allowing each segment to be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation enables the plate to conform to the bone shape without requiring time-consuming bending of a unitary structure, while maintaining simplicity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If a unitary bone plate is used, then the structure is simple and familiar, but the plate weakens during the bending process
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into multiple rigid sections connected by joints, distributing mechanical stresses across the structure. This prevents the weakening that occurs when bending a unitary plate, as each segment maintains its structural integrity while the joints accommodate shape adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex joint mechanisms are used to enable adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but the device becomes complicated and less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The joints are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the plate to adapt to different bone shapes and positions. The joints can be positioned and secured in various configurations, providing versatility while maintaining stability through simple, reliable connection mechanisms rather than complex structures.
Data Source
AI summary
System, including methods and devices, for fixing bone. The system may include a bone plate having two or more plate members connected to one another with one or more movable joints. Each joint may permit the orientation of the plate members to be adjusted relative to one another in a single plane or two or more nonparallel planes. The joint may have a movable configuration and a fixed configuration. Methods of creating the bone plate are also provided.