Segmented Forceps for Simultaneous Bone and Screw Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forceps for internal fixation struggle to simultaneously and accurately hold bone fragments and a third member, leading to difficulties in precise placement and increased surgery time due to the need for soft tissue peeling, which can hinder bone union and reduce surgical precision.

Innovation Solution

The forceps design includes a first and second member with customized holding portions and grips that correspond to the shape of the bone fragments, along with a third member that is screw-fastened, allowing for precise placement and holding of both bone fragments and the third member, even with partial cutting of skin and muscle, using elastic members and coupling mechanisms for enhanced fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing clamps are used to hold bone fragments, then bone fragments can be held, but the third member cannot be simultaneously held and brought into close contact with bone fragments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement precision of third memberVSAvoidability to simultaneously hold third member and bone fragments

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps is divided into multiple functional segments: a first holding portion for bone fragments, a second holding portion for the third member, and fixing portions with elastic members for securing both objects. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The forceps is designed as a multi-functional tool that can simultaneously hold bone fragments, hold the third member, and fix both objects in place. The first and second holding portions provide versatile gripping capabilities, while the fixing portions with elastic members offer adjustable securing for different object sizes and shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If soft tissues are peeled off from the fracture site to apply the clamp, then the clamp can be applied, but blood flow is blocked and bone union is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply clamp to fracture siteVSAvoidblood flow blockage and hindered bone union

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps allows preliminary positioning and holding of both the third member and bone fragments before final fixation. The elastic members provide preliminary securing that maintains blood flow until the fixation is complete, avoiding the need for extensive soft tissue peeling before application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If soft tissues are peeled off from the fracture site, then the clamp can be applied, but surgery time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply clamp to fracture siteVSAvoidsurgery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps enables preliminary holding and positioning of the third member and bone fragments immediately after minimal tissue exposure, eliminating the need for time-consuming extensive peeling procedures. The elastic members allow quick adjustment and securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If existing clamps are used, then they can hold bone fragments, but additional peeling of soft tissues is necessary which decreases precision of placing third member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply clampVSAvoidprecision of placing third member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps separates the holding function for bone fragments and the third member into distinct first and second holding portions, each optimized for its specific object. This segmentation allows precise positioning of the third member without the need for extensive soft tissue manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enables precise and simultaneous holding of bone fragments and the third member, reducing surgery time and improving accuracy by allowing for accurate placement without extensive soft tissue peeling, thus enhancing the internal fixation process.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member disposed between another side of the first fixing member and the first holding portion or between another side of the first fixing member and the first grip and applying pressure to the first fixing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11857237B2Forceps for internal fixation

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 THE CATHOLIC UNIV OF KOREA IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND

AI summary

Provided is forceps for internal fixation, including: a first member having a first holding portion for holding a first side of bone fragments and a first grip extending from the first holding portion; and a second member having a second holding portion for holding a second side spaced a predetermined distance from the first side of the bone fragments and a second grip extending from the second holding portion.