Tensegrity External Fixation System for Bone Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixators for fingers are limited in configuration, making them obtrusive and uncomfortable, and they often restrict joint movement, leading to loss of range of motion during bone healing.
Innovation Solution
A tensegrity external fixation system using a compression assembly with tension bands that distract bones across fractures, allowing for proper alignment and movement of joints, with adjustable tension and a torque stabilizer to prevent undesirable bone displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinged bars are used to hold joints apart via traction, then bone stabilization is achieved, but the device becomes obtrusive and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tensegrity structure with flexible tension bands and thin wire components that can be positioned along the bone shaft. This flexible construction allows the fixator to conform to the bone's contour and accommodate joint movement without being obtrusive, while still providing stable bone distraction and stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The external fixator is divided into multiple discrete components including tension bands, wire elements, and attachment points distributed along the bone. This segmentation allows the device to be configured to match the specific anatomy of smaller bones in the hand and foot, improving comfort and adaptability while maintaining stabilization functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid connections via pins are used to hold joints apart, then bone alignment is maintained, but joint movement and range of motion are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tensegrity structure provides dynamic stabilization that adapts to joint movement. The tension bands and wire elements can flex and deform elastically, allowing the joint to move through its range of motion while the overall structure maintains bone alignment and distraction forces throughout the movement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for adjustable tension parameters in the tension bands and wire elements. This adjustability enables the fixator to maintain optimal bone alignment and distraction forces while accommodating varying degrees of joint movement, thereby preserving range of motion without compromising alignment precision.
3Device complexity
If existing external fixators are configured only for lateral finger application, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different bone locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tensegrity external fixator is designed with universal applicability to various bone locations, particularly smaller bones in the hand and foot. The modular tension band and wire configuration can be adapted to different anatomical sites, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple functions and locations without requiring location-specific configurations.
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 effective bone healing across joints with maintained range of motion, improved comfort, and flexibility in fixator placement, suitable for smaller bones like those in the hand and foot.
Implementation Method 1
a tension band that is in tension caused by the compression assembly and that exerts a distraction force on the stud
Implementation Method 2
a compression assembly with an extension that is compresses by a tension element, such as a tension band
Data Source
AI summary
A tensegrity external fixation system utilizes a tensegrity external fixator having a compression portion and a tension portion that create a force to distract bone. A tensegrity external fixator has a compressor assembly with an extension that is compresses by a tension element, such as a tension band. In an embodiment, the tension band is coupled with a bone via a stud that is attached to the bone. The tension band may extend through a stud retainer, such as a loop coupled with the stud. A single extension may be used and compressed to cause the extension to bow between a tension band or wires. In an exemplary embodiment, a compressor assembly has a compression element that is compressed by the one or more extensions. Two extensions may extend from a compressor coupling having a compression element and manipulation of the extensions may place the compression element in compression.