Patent ID: 11944365
Assignee: EXACTECH, INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. A device, comprising:
a first plate configured to interface with a first bone structure of a joint;
a second plate configured to interface with a second bone structure of the joint opposite the first bone structure,
wherein the device is configured so as to have a range of expansion ranging from a minimum distance between the first plate and the second plate to a maximum distance between the first plate and the second plate; and

at least one mechanical actuation mechanism disposed between the first plate and the second plate and configured to apply a distraction force along an axis between the first plate and the second plate so as to urge the first plate and the second plate away from one another,
wherein the at least one mechanical actuation mechanism includes a force applying element configured to apply an applied force so as to urge the first plate and the second plate away from one another, wherein a magnitude of the applied force varies as the device moves along the range of expansion,
wherein the at least one mechanical actuation mechanism includes a physical parameter that varies as the device moves along the range of expansion,
wherein the varying applied force and the varying physical parameter combine to cause the distraction force to be a substantially constant distraction force across the range of expansion, and
wherein the physical parameter is a moment arm of the applied force about a pivot point.