Bi-directional Articulating Rod Holder with Non-Parallel Cam Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulating rod holders for spinal fusion surgeries face limitations, either requiring extensive manipulation due to unidirectional mechanical rotation or using parallel cams that restrict bidirectional deployment, which complicates the insertion and seating of rods during percutaneous procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional mechanically deployed rod mechanism utilizing non-parallel cam surfaces with a unique engagement, entrapment, and release methodology, combined with a spring loading pivot point and lockout mechanisms to facilitate both forward and reverse articulation of the rod from parallel to perpendicular positions without early release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unidirectional mechanical rotation is used, then rod insertion can be simplified, but bidirectional deployment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-parallel cam surfaces with asymmetric geometry to enable bidirectional mechanical rotation. The cam surfaces are designed with specific angular orientations (e.g., 45-degree angles) that allow the mechanism to rotate in both forward and reverse directions, resolving the limitation of unidirectional systems while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a dynamic cam mechanism where the cam surfaces interact with a follower to produce controlled bidirectional rotation. The system transitions from a static unidirectional design to a dynamic system that can adapt its rotation direction based on surgical needs, enabling both insertion and deployment phases to be performed with the same mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parallel cams are used for bidirectional deployment, then mechanical rotation is enabled, but the mechanism becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using symmetric parallel cams that require complex coordination for bidirectional operation, the patent employs asymmetric non-parallel cam surfaces. This asymmetric design simplifies the mechanism by using a single cam profile with specific angular features that inherently provide bidirectional rotation capability, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the bidirectional rotation function from a complex multi-component system and concentrates it into a single cam mechanism with non-parallel surfaces. By isolating the essential bidirectional deployment capability into one well-designed cam profile, the patent eliminates unnecessary components and reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining full bidirectional functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive manipulation is required, then rod positioning can be achieved, but surgical incision must be elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to perform rod articulation and positioning automatically through its mechanical action. As the cam rotates and engages the follower, it inherently guides the rod through the required angular transformation from parallel to perpendicular orientation, eliminating the need for extensive manual manipulation and thereby reducing the required surgical incision length while maintaining positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional mechanically deployed rod mechanism utilizes non-parallel cam surfaces with a unique engagement, entrapment, and release methodology. The instrument utilizes a unique spring loading pivot point and lockout mechanisms to prevent early release of the pivot point and bi-directional cam surfaces.