Thermoplastic Bone Plate Welding Fixation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing tissues and implants within the body are complex, time-consuming, and often fail to provide robust fixation, leading to tissue damage and instability.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoplastic materials welded together using energy sources like resistive heating, radiofrequency, ultrasound, or laser to create strong bonds between tissues and implants, allowing for precise fixation and stabilization of various tissue types and implants within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bone plates and screws are used to repair fractured bones, then the fracture ends can be compressed together, but the screws may loosen and lose stored compression due to dynamic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-threaded hole connection system with a welding-based fusion system. The welding device creates a permanent bond between the bone plate and bone fragments by melting and fusing the materials together, eliminating the mechanical fastening system that is prone to loosening under dynamic loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the bone plate and bone fragments from solid to molten phase during the welding process. By applying thermal energy, the materials are melted and then cooled to form a strong, permanent bond, transforming the fixation method from mechanical to thermal-chemical bonding.
2Reliability
If multiple instruments and procedures are used for tissue repair, then comprehensive fixation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single welding device that can simultaneously heat, bond, and secure the bone plate to the bone fragments. This integrated approach replaces the need for multiple separate instruments including drill bits, screwdrivers, and compression devices, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding device is designed with universal applicability to work with different bone types, fracture patterns, and implant materials. A single device can perform multiple functions including heating, melting, bonding, and securing, making it adaptable to various surgical scenarios without requiring specialized instruments for each case.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional surgical methods are used to repair tissues, then the procedures can be performed with conventional tools, but the fixation is not robust and may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition from solid to liquid and back to solid in the welding process. The welding device applies thermal energy to melt the bone plate and bone fragments, then allows them to cool and solidify, creating a robust fusion bond that is stronger than mechanical fastening while maintaining procedural simplicity.
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
This approach enables faster, more precise, and stronger fixation of tissues and implants, reducing tissue damage and enhancing healing by minimizing the need for multiple instruments and procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The energy source may be resistive heating, radiofrequency, ultrasound (vibratory), microwave, laser, electromagnetic, electro shockwave therapy, plasma energy (hot or cold), and other suitable sources.
Implementation Method 2
The energy source may be resistive heating, radiofrequency, ultrasound (vibratory), microwave, laser, electromagnetic, electro shockwave therapy, plasma energy (hot or cold), and other suitable sources.
Implementation Method 3
The energy source may be resistive heating, radiofrequency, ultrasound (vibratory), ultrasound, microwave, laser, electromagnetic, electro shockwave therapy, plasma energy (hot or cold), and other suitable sources.
Implementation Method 4
The energy source may be resistive heating, radiofrequency, ultrasound (vibratory), microwave, laser, electromagnetic, electro shockwave therapy, plasma energy (hot or cold), and other suitable sources.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.