Variable Angle Orthopedic Plate Screw Thread Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation devices lack the ability to selectively adjust the angle of screw insertion, which can be suboptimal for bone stabilization due to variations in bone shape and applied forces.
Innovation Solution
The development of variable angle orthopedic plates and screws with threaded holes and heads featuring regions of maximum and minimum thread heights, allowing for adjustable insertion angles between 0° and 60°, enabling precise alignment with bone anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed angle hole is used for screw insertion, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but the adaptability to different bone shapes and forces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The hole is segmented into multiple thread regions with different heights (first region with maximum thread height, second region with intermediate thread height, third region with minimum thread height), allowing the screw to engage at different depths and angles depending on bone geometry and force requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The hole structure transitions from a static fixed-angle design to a dynamic variable-angle design where the screw can be inserted at multiple angles (0°, 45°, 90°) by engaging different thread regions, adapting to the dynamic requirements of different bone configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable angle hole with multiple thread regions is used, then the adaptability to bone anatomy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the hole have different thread heights tailored to specific functions: the first region has maximum thread height for deep engagement at certain angles, the second region has intermediate height for moderate engagement, and the third region has minimum height for shallow engagement, with each region's thread geometry optimized for its specific angular position
Solution Approach 2:
The thread height parameter is varied systematically across different angular regions of the hole, creating a gradient from maximum to minimum height that enables multi-angle engagement while maintaining manufacturability through controlled parameter variation
3Reliability
If the thread has multiple height regions, then the bone fixation stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous thread is segmented into distinct height regions (first, second, and third regions with maximum, intermediate, and minimum heights respectively) that can engage bone at different depths, providing multiple engagement points that enhance overall fixation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The thread structure is extended from a single-dimension uniform height design to a multi-dimensional variable height design, adding the vertical dimension of thread height variation to the angular dimension, creating a three-dimensional engagement pattern that improves stability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to variable angle implantable devices, systems, and methods.