Telescopic External Fixation Rod with Rotatable Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing external fixation devices lack a mechanism for rapid and gradual adjustment of connection rod length, which is essential for precise alignment and stabilization of bone segments during surgical procedures like limb lengthening and fracture reduction.

Innovation Solution

The development of a telescopic connection rod with a rotatable member housing and a connecting member insert, allowing for adjustable length through a combination of telescopic and rotational mechanisms, enabling both rapid coarse adjustments and gradual fine adjustments, with features like grooves for limited rotation and a non-circular cavity for secure coupling with external fixation rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed-length connection rod is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate varying alignment requirements during surgical procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of connection rod lengthVSAvoidcomplexity of connection rod structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection rod is divided into multiple segments (first connecting member, second connecting member, intermediate member) that can move relative to each other, allowing length adjustment while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection rod transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic adjustable-length structure through the incorporation of rotatable members and telescopic mechanisms that enable movement between locked and adjusted positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a telescopic mechanism is added to allow length adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverapid and gradual adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic adjustment mechanism and rotational alignment mechanism are merged into a single integrated connection rod assembly, allowing both functions to be performed by one device without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection rod is designed to perform multiple functions: length adjustment through telescopic movement, angular alignment through rotation, and secure fixation through locking mechanisms, making it a multi-functional component that replaces several traditional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If grooves are added to limit rotation, then the alignment precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of bone segment alignmentVSAvoidease of manufacturing connection rod

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Grooves with asymmetric cross-sections are incorporated into the connection rod members, providing precise rotational guidance and limiting rotation to specific orientations that ensure proper alignment of bone segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11812995B2External fixation connection rod with female attachment

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

AI summary

A connecting rod for an external fixation device includes a first joint having a first rotatable member housing, a first rotatable member disposed within the first rotatable member housing, and a first connecting member. The first rotatable member has a first bore. The first connecting member includes a first connecting member insert having a stem partially disposed within the first bore of the first rotatable member. The first connecting member insert includes a second bore. The second bore is operable to receive a connecting element from a first external fixation ring.