Variable-Angle Locking Bone Plate With Deflectable Fins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone fracture repair implants lack the flexibility to adjust the angle of fastener insertion, making it difficult to secure fragmented bone fragments in irregular positions.

Innovation Solution

A variable angle locking implant with a bone plate featuring finned openings that allow fasteners to be inserted at various angles, utilizing deflectable fins to secure the fastener at any desired angle, enhancing the range of insertion possibilities beyond traditional perpendicular orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional perpendicular openings are used in bone plates, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surgeon cannot reach denser areas of bone or capture random bone fragments in irregular positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidopening structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening is segmented into multiple radial slots that can independently deflect, allowing each slot to accommodate fasteners at different angles. This segmentation enables the opening to adapt to various insertion angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radial slots are designed to be deflectable rather than rigid, allowing the opening structure to dynamically adjust and accommodate fasteners inserted at different angles. This dynamic capability provides angle adaptability without requiring multiple fixed openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the opening axis is made non-perpendicular to the plate surface, then fasteners can reach irregular bone fragments, but the manufacturing precision and structural symmetry are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener insertion angle rangeVSAvoidopening axis alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The opening deliberately employs asymmetric geometry with the axis non-perpendicular to the plate surface, allowing fasteners to reach irregular bone fragments. This asymmetric design is manufactured as a precise non-standard angle rather than attempting to maintain traditional perpendicular symmetry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The opening axis angle is changed from the standard perpendicular (90 degrees) to a specific non-perpendicular angle optimized for reaching dense or irregular bone areas. This parameter change is precisely controlled during manufacturing to achieve the desired fastener trajectory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fins are added to the opening inner surface, then the fastener can be locked at variable angles, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener locking capabilityVSAvoidopening internal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete radial fins rather than a continuous structure. These fins can deflect independently to engage with the fastener threads, providing reliable locking while simplifying manufacturing compared to complex threaded openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using traditional threaded openings that require precise threading operations, the patent inverts the approach by using smooth radial fins that deflect to engage the fastener. This inversion simplifies manufacturing while achieving the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the plate is placed flexibly in relation to the bone fracture, then better tailoring to specific fracture nature is achieved, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate placement flexibilityVSAvoidbone-plate connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The combination of non-perpendicular opening axes and deflectable radial fins creates a dynamic system that can adapt to different plate placements while maintaining stable fastener locking. The structure remains stable once the fastener is inserted and the fins deflect into position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12390253B2Variable angle locking implant

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 SMITH & NEPHEW INC

AI summary

A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.