Artificial Intervertebral Disc with Elastomer Composite

The patent utilizes elastomers with varying durometers (hardness values) to change the mechanical parameters of the artificial disc. By selecting different elastomer hardness levels, the device can replicate the nonlinear stress-strain behavior of natural discs while providing adequate structural support, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and natural mechanical properties.

The invention employs composite structures combining elastomeric materials with fiber reinforcement (such as woven or non-woven fibers). This composite approach provides both the strength and stability needed to replace fusion techniques while maintaining the flexibility and energy-absorbing characteristics of natural intervertebral discs.

The elastomeric core is reinforced with fiber structures (woven or non-woven) to create a composite material that combines the energy-dissipating properties of soft elastomers with the load-bearing capacity of high-strength fibers. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the soft material to absorb energy while the fiber reinforcement maintains structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.

The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the artificial disc. The central elastomeric core provides energy dissipation and compliance, while peripheral fiber reinforcement and anchor plates provide enhanced load-bearing capacity and structural support, thus resolving the local contradiction between softness for energy dissipation and strength for load-bearing.

Rather than creating complex multi-component structures, the patent achieves accurate mechanical property matching by precisely controlling the parameters of a relatively simple elastomeric structure, including durometer selection, geometry, and fiber reinforcement density. This resolves the contradiction by demonstrating that parameter optimization can achieve natural disc replication without excessive structural complexity.

The use of composite materials with integrated fiber reinforcement within the elastomeric matrix provides enhanced mechanical property matching through material composition rather than structural complexity. The fiber orientation, density, and arrangement can be controlled during manufacturing to achieve desired mechanical behaviors without requiring multiple separate components.