Sustained Tether Tensioning Apparatus for Surgical Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tether tensioning tools fail to maintain a predetermined, measurable, and adjustable tension in surgical applications due to tether elongation and movement of bones or implants, leading to changes in tension over time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a positioning mechanism, a gripping mechanism, and a pressurized fluid actuated mechanism that applies controlled tension to the tether independently of displacement, ensuring a sustained and adjustable level of tension by using a pressurized fluid source, control device, and manually operated selector device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a tether is tensioned to a predetermined level and then fixed in place, then the initial tension can be established, but the tension changes over time due to tether elongation and movement of bones or implants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors the actual tension in the tether and compares it to the desired predetermined tension level. When the actual tension deviates from the desired level (due to elongation or movement), the system automatically adjusts the tensioning force through an actuator to restore and maintain the correct tension, thereby resolving the contradiction between establishing initial tension and maintaining it over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting tension deviations and correcting them without requiring manual intervention. The integrated sensor-actuator system continuously self-regulates the tether tension, allowing the system to maintain predetermined tension levels autonomously despite changes in the surgical site conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual tensioning tools are used to apply predetermined tension, then the tension can be initially set, but the tension cannot be permanently measured and adjusted before and during tether fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tensioning tools with an integrated system that combines mechanical actuation with electronic sensing and control. Instead of relying solely on manual mechanical tools that cannot provide continuous measurement, the system incorporates electronic sensors and control circuits that enable permanent, precise measurement and adjustment of tension levels throughout the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts as a mediator between the mechanical tensioning mechanism and the measurement system. This intermediary includes control circuits and processing units that receive data from tension sensors, process the information, and automatically adjust the mechanical actuator to maintain precise tension levels, enabling both measurement and adjustment capabilities that neither manual tools nor simple mechanical systems could provide alone.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for applying sustained tension on tether in treatment site includes a positioning mechanism, gripping mechanism and pressurized fluid actuated mechanism. The positioning mechanism is operable to position the pressurized fluid actuated mechanism at a fixed distance relative to treatment site, and to engage a target at treatment site and secure the tether proximate to the target. The gripping mechanism is operable to selectively grip the tether and maintain tether when tether is held in tension. The pressurized fluid actuated mechanism is selectively operable to apply desired pulling force on gripping mechanism directed away from treatment site so as to transmit and apply in a sustained manner the desired pulling force on the tether independently from the tether displacement and place it under desired level of tension while the tether is being secured.