Unilateral Fixator with Compound Joints for Bone Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixator devices for musculoskeletal deformities lack the ability to make precise adjustments in six degrees of freedom while engaged with the patient, requiring frequent disengagement and reconfiguration, which limits their utility in deformity correction.
Innovation Solution
A unilateral external fixator device with a strut assembly and compound movable joints, including revolute joints and helical spline gear reduction mechanisms, allowing for both gross and fine adjustments in six degrees of freedom without disengagement from the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing external fixator devices are used, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the device cannot make precise adjustments in six degrees of freedom while engaged with the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator device is divided into multiple independent adjustable components including at least one adjustable strut and at least one adjustable joint, each capable of independent adjustment in six degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows precise local adjustments without requiring complete device disassembly or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow continuous modification of strut lengths and joint angles while the device remains engaged with the patient. The adjustable struts and joints enable real-time adaptation of the fixator configuration to accommodate deformity correction progress.
2Productivity
If existing external fixator devices require disengagement for adjustment, then the device configuration can be changed, but the adjustment process requires frequent disengagement and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable struts and joints enable continuous correction of musculoskeletal deformities without requiring disengagement of the fixator from the patient. The device maintains continuous corrective force while allowing incremental adjustments to be made in-situ, eliminating interruptions in the treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-adjustment capabilities where the adjustable struts and joints can be modified while the device remains attached to the patient, allowing the fixator to serve itself without requiring complete disengagement and reconfiguration for each adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device configurations are used to address different deformities, then the device can be adapted to specific cases, but the device requires multiple configurations and constructions
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator device is designed as a universal platform with adjustable struts and joints that can accommodate various musculoskeletal deformities through a single device configuration. The adjustable components enable the same device to be adapted to different correction scenarios without requiring multiple specialized device types or complex reconfigurations.
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 correction of musculoskeletal deformities in six degrees of freedom, providing a high mechanical advantage and reducing the need for multiple device configurations, allowing continuous adjustment during the deformity correction process.
Implementation Method 1
helical spline gear reduction mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
providing a high mechanical advantage
Data Source
AI summary
A unilateral fixator for adjustment of a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a telescopically adjustable strut having first and second ends and a strut axis, and first and second compound joints. The first compound joint is coupled to the first end of the strut and to a first bone clamp, and includes a first gear mechanism controlling linear and rotational motion of the first bone clamp relative to first and second axes while the first bone clamp is engaged with the first bone portion. The first and second axes are generally orthogonal to one another and to the strut axis. The second compound joint is coupled to the second end of the strut and to a second bone clamp and includes a second gear mechanism controlling linear and rotational adjustment of the second bone clamp. The first compound movable joints can rotate about the strut axis.