External fixation system

摘要

An external fixation system comprising: first and second planar at least part-circular ring elements, the first ring element having a circumferential track extending along the part-circular circumference thereof; a plurality of struts each having a first and second end, the first end of each strut coupled to the first ring by a first connector and the second end of each strut coupled to a second ring by a second connector, the first connector including a spherical joint; the second connector non-rotatably coupled to the second ring, the strut second end being coupled to the second connector by a U-joint; shuttles mounted on the track of the first ring for movement there along with one shuttle coupled to each strut; and means for controlling the angular position of each strut second end and means for controlling the position of each shuttle along the circumferential track on the first ring.

主权项

1. An external fixation system comprising:
a first platform having at least a circular portion; a second platform; a plurality of non-prismatic kinematic chains having a first end connected to the first platform and a second end connected to the second platform, each kinematic chain including: a first revolute joint; a second revolute joint, the first and second revolute joints respectively rotatable about first and second perpendicular axes together forming a universal joint; a third revolute joint mounted on the first platform and connected to the first revolute joint and adapted to revolve around a circumference of the circular portion of the first platform; a spherical joint coupled to the second platform; and means for rotating the second revolute joint about the second axis of the universal joint and for moving the third revolute joint along the first platform.