Wire Fixation Device Nested Locking Cone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting wires to bony structures within medical devices, such as external fixation systems, require significant space and tools like wrenches for clamping, limiting operational freedom and ease of use for medical practitioners.
Innovation Solution
A wire fixation device featuring a wire post with a head and neck portion, a locking element with inclined sections, a clamping cone, and a bolt system that allows for axial displacement to exert radial force on the wire, enabling secure fixation within a limited space without the need for extensive tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolts and nuts are used to fix wires to a ring of an external fixator, then the wire connection is secure, but the space required for mounting and fixing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is nested within the head portion of the wire post, and the clamping cone is nested within the locking element. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy minimal space while maintaining secure wire fixation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar clamping mechanism to a three-dimensional conical clamping structure. The conical shape allows the clamping force to be applied axially while generating radial compression on the wire, achieving secure fixation in a compact volume.
2Reliability
If wrenches are used to tighten the bolt/nut connection, then the wire fixation is secure, but the operational freedom and handling freedom are limited due to space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The locking element can be directly manipulated to engage and disengage the clamping cone without requiring external tools. The conical geometry provides inherent mechanical advantage, allowing the wire tension itself to assist in the clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the need for external wrenches and tooling from the fixation system. All necessary clamping and locking functions are integrated into the wire post assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate tooling operations.
3Ease of operation
If a compact wire fixation device is used to minimize space, then handling freedom is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise axial displacement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with dynamic capability to move axially relative to the head portion. This axial movement dynamically adjusts the clamping force applied by the conical surface on the clamping cone, allowing the device to adapt to different wire tensions and sizes while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the conical surfaces (angle, diameter) to optimize the mechanical advantage and clamping force distribution. By carefully selecting these parameters, the device achieves effective wire fixation with minimal axial displacement of the locking element.
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
Enables secure and efficient fixation of wires to medical devices within a minimal space, allowing for easier handling and reduced complexity in medical procedures, as the device can be easily slipped over the wire and tensioned without requiring extensive radial space or tools.
Implementation Method 1
Upon an axial displacement of the locking element relative to the clamping cone a radial force is exerted onto the clamping cone leading to a reduction of the diameter of the clamping opening such that if a wire or a pin is inserted into the clamping opening a radial force results onto the wire or the pin
Implementation Method 2
a locking element adapted to be introduced into the opening having an reception with inclined sections that are inclined to the longitudinal axis... and a clamping cone abutting on said abutment element. The clamping cone having a clamping opening to accommodate a wire and inclined outer surfaces that are inclined to the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A wire or pin fixation and tensioning device has a wire post having a head portion with an opening having a predetermined longitudinal axis for reception of a wire or pin. The wire post has a neck portion for engaging an opening of the medical device. A locking element is adapted to be introduced into opening having an opening with inclined sections inclined to the longitudinal axis. A clamping cone abuts an abutment element and has a clamping opening to accommodate a wire and has outer surfaces inclined to the longitudinal axis and encompassed within the conical section of the locking element. Upon an axial displacement of the locking element relative to the cone a radial force is exerted onto the cone leading to a reduction of the diameter of the clamping opening to apply a radial force onto a wire or pin therein.