Artificial Intervertebral Disc Off-Axis Curved Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial intervertebral discs lack the freedom of movement and durability of natural discs, leading to excessive wear and compromised spinal movement, which affects patients' quality of life.
Innovation Solution
An artificial intervertebral disc design featuring a first connection block, a joint block with an off-axis convex surface, and a second connection block, allowing for sliding motion and enhanced durability through the use of titanium alloys and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, with convex-concave structures and hole structures for secure integration and reduced stress concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional artificial intervertebral disc with a fixed radius gasket is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the freedom of movement is limited and wear occurs excessively over time
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with a curved surface featuring both a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature, allowing the upper and lower metal plates to move relative to each other in multiple directions. This dual-radius curvature enables the artificial disc to reproduce the multi-axis movement of natural intervertebral discs while distributing contact stresses more effectively, thereby improving both freedom of movement and wear resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static, fixed-radius gasket design to a dynamic curved surface design that allows variable movement paths. The curved surface enables the metal plates to slide along complex trajectories that mimic natural spinal motion, adapting to different loading conditions and movement types (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral bending) throughout the disc's service life
2Ease of operation
If the upper metal plate is slidable on a gasket with a fixed radius, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the artificial disc cannot reproduce natural spine movement and overly wears down
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket features a curved surface with defined first and second radii of curvature that can be manufactured using standard precision machining or molding techniques. This curvature enables complex natural-like movement patterns while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for overly complicated geometries that would sacrifice service life
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional artificial intervertebral disc is implanted, then the surgical procedure is straightforward, but the original spine movement is compromised and patient quality of life is influenced due to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface of the gasket with its dual radii of curvature enables the artificial disc to reproduce multi-axis spinal movements including flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending. This restored range of motion improves patient comfort and quality of life by eliminating the stiffness and discomfort associated with conventional fixed-radius designs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design replicates natural spinal motion, reduces wear, and extends the lifespan of the artificial disc by distributing stress optimally and preventing detachment, thereby improving patient mobility and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The second connection block is slidably stacked on the convex surface of the joint block
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial intervertebral disc is configured to be inserted between adjacent human vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc includes a first connection block, a joint block and a second connection block. The joint block has a convex surface and a rear surface. The rear surface of the joint block is stacked on the first connection block. The second connection block is slidably stacked on the convex surface of the joint block, such that the second connection block is movable relative to the first connection block. In addition, the convex surface is a curved surface, and the convex surface is arranged off-axis with respect to the rear surface.