Vector Fixation Device with Independent Force Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone and tissue fixation devices often require adjustments that alter the position of the device, making it difficult to securely anchor and redirect force vectors in complex anatomical structures, especially in fractured bones or tissues with comminuted fractures.
Innovation Solution
A fixation apparatus with a reception portion for coupling a tension element, featuring a chamber that provides a supportive enclosure for the tension element, allowing it to exit at an axis independent of the device's axis, and includes anti-migration elements to secure the device in place without altering its position during adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustments are made to the tension element, then the force vector can be redirected, but the position of the fixation device changes
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into distinct functional components: a reception portion that couples to the tension element, a chamber that provides a supportive enclosure, and a distal portion where the force vector is redirected. This segmentation allows the tension element to be adjusted and redirected independently while the main device remains stable in its anchored position.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber acts as an intermediary structure between the reception portion and the distal end of the fixation device. It provides a supportive enclosure for the tension element, allowing the tension element to be adjusted and redirected without causing positional changes to the anchored fixation device.
2Reliability
If the tension element is anchored at the proximal end, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the device cannot be adjusted without altering its position
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reception portion for anchoring and a distal portion for force vector redirection. This segmentation allows the proximal end to remain securely anchored while the distal end provides flexibility for tension element adjustment and redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The force vector is redirected at an axis independent of the device axis from proximal to distal end. This dimensional change allows the tension element to be adjusted in different orientations without affecting the positional stability of the anchored proximal end.
3Reliability
If the chamber provides a supportive enclosure, then the tension element is protected, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is integrated into the fixation device structure, merging the protective enclosure function with the overall device architecture. This unified structure provides protection for the tension element while avoiding the need for separate, additional protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber serves multiple functions: it provides a supportive enclosure for the tension element, maintains the structural integrity of the device, and facilitates the redirection of the force vector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.