Variable Angle Orthopedic Fasteners via Integrated Pivot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic fastener systems lack efficiency and safety in providing variable angulation for screw insertion relative to orthopedic plates, often requiring complex manipulation of multiple components and risking foreign body exposure and tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

The development of an orthopedic hardware system that includes a pivot member retained within an aperture of the plate, allowing for variable angulation of fasteners relative to the plate through a simplified locking mechanism that eliminates the need for separate components, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separately provided pieces are used to allow variable angulation of screws relative to the plate, then the screw can be inserted at various different angles, but the surgeon must manipulate multiple parts which increases procedure complexity and risks loss of parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable angulation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of separate components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pivot member and plate into a single integrated unit where the pivot member is retained within an aperture of the plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate manipulation of multiple components during surgery while preserving the variable angulation capability through the integrated pivot mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated pivot member-plate assembly serves multiple functions: it provides variable angulation capability, acts as a single manipulable unit during surgery, and eliminates the need for separate locking components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one component perform the roles of previously separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a softer plate material is used to allow self-tapping screw threads, then the screw can be locked to the plate, but metal shavings are produced that may cause soft tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-tapping capabilityVSAvoidmetal shavings and tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the self-tapping function from the plate material and relocates it to the screw component. The screw includes external threads that engage with corresponding threads in the pivot member, eliminating the need for the plate to be softer and thus preventing metal shavings from being generated during insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot member acts as an intermediary component between the screw and plate. It provides the threaded engagement surface that allows the screw to be locked without requiring the plate material to be soft, thereby eliminating the harmful metal shavings problem while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the plate is made of softer material for self-tapping, then screw locking is achieved, but cold fusion occurs between screw head and plate requiring complex removal techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescrew lockingVSAvoidscrew removal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot member serves as an intermediary that provides the threaded engagement surface for screw locking. This separates the locking function from the plate material properties, allowing the plate to be made of standard stronger materials while still achieving easy screw locking through the pivot member's threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter of the plate from soft to standard stronger materials by relocating the soft self-tapping function to the pivot member. This parameter change allows the plate to maintain its structural integrity for easy removal while still achieving secure screw locking through the pivot member's threaded engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are manipulated during screw insertion, then variable angulation is achieved, but foreign body exposure increases at the surgical site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable angulationVSAvoidforeign body exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the pivot member and plate into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate foreign bodies present at the surgical site. The pivot member remains retained within the plate aperture throughout the procedure, eliminating the need to manipulate and potentially lose separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12262930B2Variable angle orthopedic fasteners for fixation of an orthopedic implant

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 MCGINLEY ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Systems for variable angle insertion of surgical fasteners relative to an orthopedic plate with locking of the surgical fastener relative to the plate upon insertion. The systems may include a pivot member secured relative to either the orthopedic plate or the fastener. In either regard, the pivot member may provide locking engagement with the plate to lockingly engage the fastener relative to the plate.