Vibratory Fastener for Thermoplastic Bone Cement Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing tissue and fastening implants within the body are complex, time-consuming, and often result in incomplete or unstable fixation, with a need for improved precision, reduced instrument usage, and enhanced strength while minimizing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of vibratory energy to bond or mechanically interlock thermoplastic materials, allowing for precise application of energy to affix tissues and implants, and the ability to remove previously joined thermoplastic materials as needed, using devices and techniques that include resistive heating, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and other energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bone plates and screws are used to repair fractured bones, then compression of fracture ends can be achieved, but screw loosening and loss of stored compression may occur due to dynamic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to thermoplastic bone cement to temporarily soften it, enabling fastener insertion and adjustment. The vibration energy causes the cement to become pliable, allowing screws and plates to be positioned and adjusted, then the cement hardens to provide stable, loosening-resistant fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of thermoplastic bone cement from solid to softened state through ultrasonic vibration, enabling temporary adjustment of implant position and fastener insertion, then returns to solid state for stable fixation. This parameter change allows the cement to transition between moldable and rigid states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments and complex procedures are used for tissue repair and implant fastening, then various fixation requirements can be met, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic vibration as a universal mechanism that can soften various thermoplastic bone cements and facilitate different types of implant fastening (screws, plates, rods). This single approach replaces multiple specialized instruments and procedures, providing versatile fixation capability while simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical insertion and adjustment instruments with ultrasonic vibration energy. Instead of using multiple specialized tools for drilling, tapping, and adjusting, the ultrasonic vibration softens the cement to allow easy insertion and positioning of fasteners, then hardens to secure them.
3Manufacturing precision
If thermoplastic materials are used for bonding and mechanically interlocking tissues and implants, then precise application and strong fixation can be achieved, but removal of previously joined materials becomes necessary in some cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to thermoplastic bone cement to temporarily soften it, enabling precise positioning of implants and fasteners during surgery. The same vibration mechanism can later be used to soften the cement again, allowing removal or adjustment of implants if needed, providing both precise fixation and ease of repair.
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
This approach enables faster, more precise, and stronger tissue and implant fixation with reduced tissue damage, while allowing for the removal of thermoplastic materials when necessary, improving surgical efficiency and outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a distal portion of the fastener is caused to resonate and vibrate in contact with the bone cement
Implementation Method 2
The vibration softens the bone cement
Implementation Method 3
using devices and techniques that include resistive heating
Implementation Method 4
radiofrequency, ultrasound, and other energy sources
Implementation Method 5
ultrasound, and other energy sources
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may include an attachable fastener, which may include a bondable material that may be secured to the end of an end effector. Vibration may be tuned to occur at a distal end of the fastener. Accordingly, the fastener may be used to generate heat at a distal point of contact. If the contact surface contains bondable material, that material may be softened. If the fastener includes bondable material at the point of contact, that material may also be softened by heat produced by vibration at the contact area. A hard implant or another polymeric material may function as the anvil.