Surgical Cable Clamp and Collet Locking for Twist-Free Bone Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical cable fixation methods require multiple instruments, cause torsional forces on cables, and are cumbersome, leading to potential damage and difficulty in adjusting tension and position within small surgical spaces.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part tapered collet encircles the cable, driven into a clamp body by a cannulated lock cap, allowing for collinear alignment and repeated locking/unlocking without damaging the cable, and featuring complementary frictional engagement to prevent unintended release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixation devices (clips, ties, staples) are used to secure cables, then cable management is achieved, but the devices require drilling or puncturing which damages the cable insulation and creates entry points for moisture and contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidmoisture and contaminant intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cable access device as an intermediary component that bridges the cable and mounting surface without direct contact or damage to the cable insulation. The device features a receiving channel that cradles the cable and a mounting plate that attaches to the surface, with the cable passing through a sealed opening. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for drilling into the cable while providing secure fixation and environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical drilling and puncturing system with a clamp-based mechanical system. Instead of using drills or puncturing tools to create mounting holes, the device uses a mounting plate with fasteners that attach to the surface, and a receiving channel that mechanically cradles and secures the cable through friction and geometric constraint, eliminating damage to the cable insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If traditional fixation devices are used, then cable securing is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex requiring drilling, insulation piercing, and sealing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidinstallation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fixation system into two separate functional components: a mounting plate for attachment to the surface and a cable access device for securing the cable. The mounting plate handles the mounting function while the cable access device handles the cable securing function, allowing each component to be optimized independently and simplifying the overall installation process by eliminating the need to perform drilling and sealing operations on the cable itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable access device is pre-formed with a receiving channel and opening configured to accommodate the cable. This preliminary preparation of the cable pathway eliminates the need for on-site drilling, insulation piercing, and sealing operations. The device arrives ready-to-install, requiring only attachment to the surface and insertion of the cable, thereby simplifying the installation process and reducing the skill level required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If clips or ties are used to secure cables, then cable fixation is achieved, but the cable insulation is damaged creating pathways for environmental contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable fixationVSAvoidinsulation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the cable's existing insulation jacket as a flexible protective shell. The receiving channel is designed to accommodate the cable within this intact insulation layer, allowing the flexible insulation to provide continuous protection while the rigid mounting structure provides fixation. This approach preserves the integrity of the insulation film rather than piercing or damaging it, maintaining the protective barrier against environmental contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3322367B1Cable fixation device and instruments

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SONGER MATTHEW N

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AI summary

Various forms of a cable fixation device, instrumentation, kit, and methods useful for repairing the skeletal system are introduced. The system utilizes a clamp housing fixing a head end of a surgical cable therein. In an operative configuration the cable is looped around a damaged bone segment and reentered through a lock aperture in the clamp housing then through a multi-part collet and lock cap residing within a lock aperture. The cable loop and each aforementioned component comprise a central axis aligned within a single plane. A sliding interface situated between the lock cap and collet prevent twisting of the surgical cable. The locking mechanism is non-destructive to the cable despite repeated unlocking and relocking of the fixation device. The axis for tensioning of the cable is coincident with the locking axis. A cerclage inserter instrument is disclosed.