Superelastic Screw Bone Plate Dynamic Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone plate systems constructed from rigid materials like titanium inhibit bone compression, which is necessary for effective fracture healing and joint fusion.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate system featuring at least two screws, one of which is made of superelastic material, configured to exert a dynamic biasing force against the bone plate, allowing for controlled compression of fractures and joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid materials like titanium are used for bone plates, then structural strength and stability are improved, but bone compression is inhibited which is necessary for effective fracture healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid titanium to superelastic material, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the bone plate. This enables the plate to dynamically adjust its stiffness and provide controlled compression forces, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and bone compression capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with superelastic material that combines the strength needed for structural integrity with the flexibility required for dynamic compression. The superelastic material acts as a composite solution that simultaneously provides both mechanical strength and compression capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid bone plate materials are used, then fixation stability is improved, but dynamic compression and adaptation to bone healing stages are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, rigid bone plate into a dynamic system using superelastic material that can adapt its mechanical properties in response to loading conditions. The material dynamically adjusts between rigid and flexible states, providing both fixation stability and adaptive compression throughout the bone healing process
Solution Approach 2:
The superelastic material enables real-time parameter changes in the bone plate's stiffness and compression force based on the healing stage and applied loads, allowing the fixation system to transition from initial stability to progressive compression as bone heals
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
The dynamic biasing force provided by the superelastic screw enables controlled loading of fractures and joints, enhancing the healing process by promoting compression without the rigidity issues of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the screws comprises a superelastic material. The plate is configured such that a superelastic screw can exert a dynamic biasing force against at least a portion of a receiving structure thereby when the bone plate is under tension between the at least two screws.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate system can include at least one screw including a superelastic material. The system can further include a bone plate. A bone fixation method can include disposing a bone plate over bone and inserting at least one screw including superelastic material through the bone plate.