Two-Piece Clamping Element With Pivot Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping elements for stabilizing bone fractures lack a cost-effective, disposable solution that can transmit large pressure forces and avoid structural disadvantages of X-ray transparent materials, while also allowing for efficient lateral insertion and secure articulation of rod-shaped elements.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece clamping element with non-integral opposing jaws and a pivot bearing, featuring an anti-rotation device and a locking mechanism with a cylindrical screw and conical nut, allowing for secure articulation and lateral insertion of rod-shaped elements, and made from synthetic materials for injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-piece clamping element with X-ray transparent material is used, then the structure allows articulation with two identical clamping elements, but the material cannot support and transmit large pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable clamping element made of synthetic material (such as plastic) that can be injection molded. This disposable design eliminates the need for expensive, reusable X-ray transparent materials while maintaining the ability to support and transmit large pressure forces during the treatment period. The clamping element is discarded after single use, reducing sterilization costs and eliminating cross-contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction, particularly in the anti-rotation device which has a harder material than the clamping elements themselves. The clamping element combines synthetic base material with harder reinforcement elements to achieve both cost-effectiveness and the necessary mechanical strength for transmitting large pressure forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece clamping element with non-integral jaws is used, then the element can be made from synthetic materials for injection molding, but the working connection of the two clamping jaws becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is divided into two separate non-integral opposing clamping jaws (first and second clamping jaws) that can be independently manufactured through injection molding. This segmentation allows each jaw to be produced as a separate synthetic component, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional integrity through the pivot bearing connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot bearing acts as an intermediary element connecting the two separate clamping jaws, enabling them to move towards and away from one another while maintaining a stable working connection. The pivot bearing simplifies the connection mechanism between the segmented jaws, allowing smooth articulation without complex joining structures.
3Ease of operation
If a pivot bearing is added to enable jaw movement, then the clamping element allows secure articulation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing is integrated into the overall clamping element structure, merging the articulation function with the existing jaw mechanism. This integration allows the pivot bearing to serve multiple functions: enabling jaw movement, providing articulation stability, and working in conjunction with the locking device, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot bearing introduces dynamic movement capability to the clamping element, allowing the two clamping jaws to move towards and away from one another during the clamping process. This dynamic function enables secure articulation of rod-shaped elements while the bearing's design keeps the added complexity minimal through its straightforward rotational mechanism.
4Reliability
If an anti-rotation device is added, then rotation and longitudinal displacement are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation device is constructed with material that is harder than the material of the clamping elements themselves. This harder material allows the anti-rotation device to effectively prevent rotation and longitudinal displacement of the clamping element relative to the rod-shaped element, while the material difference also enables simple integration without complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation device works in conjunction with the locking device to provide self-reinforcing functionality. When the locking device secures the clamping element, the anti-rotation device automatically engages to prevent rotational movement, creating a self-service system where the locking and anti-rotation functions support each other without requiring additional complex control mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, disposable clamping element capable of supporting large pressure forces and facilitating efficient articulation of rod-shaped elements, while preventing rotation and longitudinal displacement, thus enhancing the stability of bone fractures.
Implementation Method 1
A hollow spring enveloping the locking device is used as an anti-rotation device or as an additional anti-rotation device.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece clamping element comprises two separate, i.e., non-integral, opposing first and second clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a pin or rod-shaped element. Each clamping jaw has a bore aligned with one another to receive a screw, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity allowing the two opposing clamping jaws to come in contact to one another. The pivot bearing comprises at least one set of complementary part-cylindrical bearing surface portions. An anti-rotation pin extends between the two jaw members.