Wire Tensioner Tip for Circular Fixator Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circular fixator systems for bone fixation and alignment lack an efficient mechanism to maintain wire tension during surgical procedures, leading to potential slippage and instability.
Innovation Solution
A wire tensioner tip with a body having extensions defining a ring slot and an engagement body with projections to securely engage the outer surface of a ring, coupled to a wire tensioner, which includes a handle for applying tension to the wire and maintaining it in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current circular fixator systems are used without a wire tensioning mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wire stability and fixation reliability deteriorate due to potential slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The wire tensioner tip is inserted into the ring slot of the circular fixator, nesting the tensioning mechanism within the existing fixator structure. This allows the wire tensioner to be integrated without adding significant external complexity while providing stable wire tensioning through the engaged tip structure
Solution Approach 2:
The wire tensioner acts as an intermediary device between the wire and the ring structure. The tensioner tip engages with the ring slot to provide a stable anchoring point, while the tensioning mechanism applies controlled force to the wire, mediating the connection and preventing slippage
2Manufacturing precision
If a wire tensioner is added to the circular fixator system, then the bone alignment precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional tensioning steps
Solution Approach 1:
The wire tensioner allows the surgeon to pre-tension the wire before final fixation. By applying tension in advance and securing it with the tensioner tip engaged in the ring slot, the bone alignment can be optimized before completing the fixation procedure, improving precision while managing operational complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wire tensioner tip engages the ring slot, then the wire tension stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The wire tensioner tip is designed with specific engagement features (protrusions, grooves, or gripping surfaces) that locally interact with the ring slot geometry. This localized engagement provides stable wire tensioning through precise mechanical interaction at the tip-slot interface, while the rest of the tensioner mechanism remains relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A wire tensioner tip is provided having a first extension and a second extension spaced apart to define a ring slot. An engagement body is disposed within the ring receiving slot and includes projections configured to engage an outer surface of a ring positioned within the ring receiving slot. A coupling element extends from the body and is configured to couple the body to a wire tensioner.