Threaded Bone Fixation Clamps for Adjustable Pin Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external orthopedic fixation devices lack robustness and simplicity in adjusting the distance between bone fixation pins and accommodating varying approach angles, which is crucial for effective bone fixation and healing.
Innovation Solution
A threaded elongated shaft with non-parallel clamps that can hold bone fixation pins and are selectively rotated, combined with a threaded nut for adjusting spacing, allowing for flexible fixation and distraction/compression capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional external fixators are used with fixed pin orientations, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to accommodate varying approach angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with rotational capability about the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, allowing the bone fixation pins to be oriented at different approach angles. The clamp can be selectively rotated to position the pins parallel to different flat surfaces of the shaft, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-angle clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure serves multiple functions: it secures the bone fixation pins to the elongated shaft, allows adjustment of pin orientations to various approach angles, and maintains mechanical connection while enabling rotational adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between bone fixation pins is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to adjust spacing for different bone segments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded nut and elongated shaft combination provides a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the distance between clamps (and thus bone fixation pins) can be selectively adjusted along the longitudinal axis. The threaded connection allows for precise positioning at different distances while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-parallel pin orientations are used, then the fixation versatility is improved, but the clamp structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with an asymmetric structure featuring a channel with specific geometry that accommodates the elongated shaft with flat surfaces. The threaded nut has an extended collar that engages with a countersink in the clamp body, creating an asymmetric engagement mechanism that enables rotational adjustment while maintaining structural integrity
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 precise and adaptable bone fixation, facilitating healing by allowing for adjustable pin orientations and distances, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of orthopedic treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded nut is provided at one end of the channel and rotatably engage the main body, where the threaded nut is configured for threadably engaging the elongated shaft when the elongated shaft is clamped within the channel
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded clamping piece form a channel that is sized for receiving the threaded elongated shaft and releasably clamping on to the elongated shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device is disclosed that includes a threaded elongated shaft having a length, a regular polygon cross-section, and a longitudinal axis defined therethrough, wherein the elongated shaft having side surfaces extending over the length of the elongated shaft wherein each side surface corresponds to each of the sides of the regular polygon cross-section; and a pair of clamps releasably clamped on to the threaded elongated shaft, wherein each of the clamps is configured for holding up to two bone fixation pins in an orientation that is non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.