Unicortical Pin Locking Device with Deformable Spheres
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixators using bi-cortical screws are invasive and not suitable for rapid or emergency situations, while unicortical pins offer less stability due to limited penetration, necessitating a device that enhances the rigidity and flexibility of unicortical pin-based external fixators.
Innovation Solution
A locking device for unicortical pins with a modular, L-shaped design and deformable spheres that create a closed reticular structure, providing axial offset and adjustable orientation to enhance stability and flexibility, allowing for the formation of a rigid structure capable of withstanding external loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bi-cortical screws are used to ensure strength and stability, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the invasiveness increases and the application time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fixation system into two independent components: unicortical pins for bone attachment and a locking device for structural connection. This segmentation allows the pins to remain superficial (reducing invasiveness) while the locking device provides the necessary rigidity through a separate mechanism that doesn't require deep bone penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary element between the unicortical pins and the external fixator structure. It mediates the connection by providing a rigid linkage mechanism that compensates for the limited penetration depth of the pins, thereby achieving structural rigidity without requiring invasive bi-cortical screws.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bi-cortical screws are used to provide flexural resistance, then the stability is improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of bone attachment (unicortical pins) and structural stabilization (locking device). The locking device incorporates the flexural resistance mechanism within its structure, eliminating the need for complex surgical procedures to achieve bi-cortical fixation while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device introduces a new dimensional aspect to the fixation system by providing external structural support that compensates for the limited depth of unicortical pins. This additional dimension of support achieves flexural stability without requiring increased penetration into the bone.
3Ease of operation
If unicortical pins are used to reduce invasiveness, then the ease of application is improved, but the flexural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of unicortical pins (ease of application, minimal invasiveness) with the advantages of bi-cortical screws (flexural strength, stability) by combining them in a hybrid system where the locking device provides the structural strength that the pins alone cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device serves as an intermediary that transfers and distributes loads between the unicortical pins and the external fixator, thereby enhancing the flexural strength of the overall system without requiring the pins themselves to bear the full structural load.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If unicortical pins are used to avoid medullary cavity penetration, then the risk of infection is reduced, but the structural rigidity of the fixator decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the functions of infection prevention (unicortical pins that don't penetrate the medullary cavity) and structural rigidity provision (locking device with rigid linkage mechanism), allowing both objectives to be achieved simultaneously through independent component design.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) for locking unicortical pins, comprising: a pin-locking arm (101) provided with two seats (101a, 101b) suitable for locking a corresponding number of unicortical pins (100); and a connection base (102), intended to couple with a connecting body (11) of an anchoring group (20) for an external fixator (1), locking means (103) configured to act simultaneously on the seats (101a, 101b), locking in position two unicortical pins (100) inserted therein, wherein said locking means (103) comprise deformable spheres (103a, 103b) which are passed through by an insertion channel (1031) for the unicortical pins (100), and a pressure plate (103c) acting on the seats (101a, 101b) for compress both said deformable spheres (103a, 103b) locking in position the unicortical pins (100) inserted in the respective insertion channels (1031).