Surgical Clamp with Ratchet for Bone Distraction and Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical tools, such as Farabeuf clamps and Jungbluth clamps, face limitations in accessibility and functionality, particularly in small- and mini-fragment kits, where multiple clamps are often required to effectively compress or distract joints or fractures, and lack a ratchet mechanism for secure positioning.

Innovation Solution

A surgical tool with pivotally coupled working members and a ratchet mechanism that allows for distraction and compression of bone portions using a handle post and handle arms, enabling single-tool operation for both functions with reduced space requirements, utilizing a ratchet that temporarily prevents movement between working members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clamps are used to compress or distract joints or fractures, then the functional capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of clamps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines distraction and compression functions into a single clamp device. The clamp includes a ratchet mechanism that can be engaged in different orientations: when engaged to prevent separation, it enables distraction; when engaged to prevent movement toward each other, it enables compression. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate clamps while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single clamp is designed with universal functionality to perform both distraction and compression operations. The ratchet mechanism can be positioned in different orientations on the handle, allowing the same clamp to serve multiple surgical purposes depending on how the ratchet is engaged, making one device replace multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If Jungbluth clamp is used to open fracture gap, then the distraction function is improved, but the space requirement and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistraction functionVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the distraction function previously requiring a separate Jungbluth clamp into the same device that performs compression. By incorporating a ratchet mechanism that can be oriented to prevent separation, the clamp achieves distraction capability without requiring additional space or a separate instrument, thus reducing overall space requirements while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If speedlock mechanism is used instead of ratchet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the position holding capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidposition holding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple ratchet mechanism that is reliable and easy to manufacture. The ratchet consists of basic mechanical components with teeth that engage with corresponding elements on the handle, providing secure position holding without complex mechanisms. This straightforward design achieves both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables efficient distraction and compression of bone portions with reduced space requirements, allowing for single-tool operation and improved accessibility in tight surgical sites, facilitating easier alignment and fixation of fractures or joints.

Implementation Method 1

a ratchet coupled to one of the first and second handle arms and engageable with the other of the first and second handle arms... The ratchet is configured to temporarily prevent the first and second working members from moving with respect to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS10441337B2Distraction and compression in one plier

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Surgical tools and methods of their use are provided. A surgical tool includes first and second working members, first and second handle arms, a handle post having first and second ends, the second end confronting the second handle arm, and a ratchet coupled to one of the first and second handle arms and engageable with the other of the first and second handle arms. Movement of the first handle arm with respect to the second handle arm causes movement of the first working member with respect to the second working member. A force applied to the handle post causes the first working member to move in a first direction with respect to the second working member. The ratchet is configured to temporarily prevent the first and second working members from moving with respect to one another.