Skullcap Attaching Device with Angular Rod for Stable Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cranial flap fixation devices are not simple or secure enough for reliable attachment to cranial bone plates, often requiring complex procedures and risking instability or misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A cranial flap fixation device featuring a cranial flap clamp with a first and second clamping element and a rod, where the second clamping element is slidably arranged on the rod, and a hand-operated applicator with a holding part and a pushing part, allowing for precise and secure attachment by preventing tilting or pivoting, and enabling easy one-handed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the second clamping element is made movable on the rod, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability of the connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The second clamping element is designed to be movable along the rod during the attachment process, allowing the surgeon to adjust and position it easily. Once positioned, the clamping element can be secured in place, providing stability during the procedure. This dynamic design allows the system to transition from a mobile state (for ease of positioning) to a stable state (for secure attachment).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is divided into separate components: the rod and the second clamping element. This segmentation allows the clamping element to be independently positioned and adjusted on the rod, improving ease of operation. The modular design also enables the clamping element to be securely fastened to the rod once positioned, ensuring connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the rod has a circular cross section, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is designed with a non-circular cross-section (such as square, rectangular, or polygonal). This asymmetric shape provides flat surfaces or corners that can be precisely aligned with corresponding features in the clamping elements, significantly improving positioning precision. While slightly more complex to manufacture than a circular rod, the increased precision in positioning the clamping elements on the skull bone plates justifies the additional manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2586394B1Skullcap attaching device
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 PINA MEDIZINTECHN VERTRIEBS
  • EP2586394B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2586394B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2586394B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The skullcap fixation device (1) comprises a skullcap clamp (2) with a first and a second clamping element (3, 4) and a rod (5), wherein the first clamping element (3) is fixedly connected to the rod (5), and wherein the rod (5) extends from the first clamping element (3) and terminates in an end section (5d), and wherein the second clamping element (4) is slidably arranged on the rod (5), and comprising a manually operated applicator (7) with a retaining part (7a), a pusher part (7b) and a connecting part (7c), wherein the retaining part (7a) and the pusher part (7b) are connected to each other via the connecting part (7c), wherein the end section (5d) of the rod (5) is attached to the retaining part (7a), and wherein the pusher part (7b) is arranged in the direction (5e) of the rod (5) between the retaining part (7a) and the second clamping element (4), and wherein the connecting part (7c) runs in the direction (5e) of the rod (5) at such a distance from the rod (5),that a displacement of the connecting part (7c) towards the rod (5) increases the distance between the holding part (7a) and the push part (7b) in order to displace the second clamping element (4) over the push part (7b) acting upon it in the direction of the first clamping element (3), and wherein the rod (5) has a cross-section which is at least partially angular.