Surgical Wire Connector Locking Mechanism for Bone Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining surgical wires around internal body structures, such as bones, lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for securing the wire ends, leading to potential loosening and failure over time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wire connector with a locking structure and a wire puller that uses a capstan mechanism to securely lock the surgical wire in place by applying external pressure, ensuring the wire remains fixed until it breaks, and includes a method for winding the wire around an internal body structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for joining surgical wires are used, then the wire ends can be connected, but the connection is unreliable and may loosen or fail over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion with a first receptacle for the wire end, and a separate locking structure with a second receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the body holds the wire while the locking structure secures it, improving reliability without requiring an overly complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is designed to be engaged after the wire is initially positioned in the first receptacle. The method involves first inserting the wire end into the body, then subsequently engaging the locking structure. This preliminary positioning followed by locking ensures the wire is correctly placed before securing, improving connection reliability while maintaining a relatively simple two-stage structure.
2Device complexity
If a simple wire joining method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the wire may move or loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure acts as an intermediary component between the wire end and the body. It provides a mechanical constraint that prevents wire movement without requiring complex integration into the body itself. This intermediary locking mechanism maintains wire position stability while keeping the overall connector design relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is designed to maintain the wire in a locked position through its own geometric constraints and friction characteristics, without requiring additional active components or continuous external control. The structure itself provides the stabilizing force, eliminating the need for complex motorized or electronically-controlled retention mechanisms.
3Reliability
If external pressure is applied to lock the wire, then the wire remains securely in place, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure incorporates a dynamic element - a movable component that can transition between unlocked and locked positions in response to applied pressure. This dynamic feature allows the simple act of applying external pressure to reliably engage the locking mechanism, achieving secure wire retention without requiring a complex multi-component locking system. The dynamics of the movable locking element provide reliable retention through a relatively simple pressure-actuated mechanism.
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 system effectively secures the surgical wire around internal body structures, preventing movement and ensuring the wire remains in place until it breaks, providing a stable fixation for bone fractures.
Implementation Method 1
a capstan mechanism to securely lock the surgical wire in place
Implementation Method 2
a wire puller that uses a capstan mechanism to securely lock the surgical wire in place
Data Source
AI summary
Opposite ends o a loop of surgical wire extending around an internal body part are joined by a connector, with the first end being rigidly fastened to the connector and with the second end then being pulled into place within a wire puller having a capstan that is rotated by squeezing a handle, preferably until the second end of the wire breaks, leaving one piece of wire in the wire puller and the other piece of the wire, extending to the loop, fastened within the connector. As the wire is tightened by the wire puller, a locking structure within the connector is deflected by contact with the tip of the wire puller into a shape preventing further movement off the wire within the connector.