Automated Growing Rod Device for Non-Invasive Spinal Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing growing rod devices for correcting spinal deformities require multiple surgical procedures to adjust their length, which is problematic due to the invasive nature and associated risks.

Innovation Solution

A remotely controlled growing rod device with on-board electronics, micromotors, and inductive power supply that allows for non-invasive length adjustment via a handheld programming unit, eliminating the need for surgical interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional growing rod devices are used, then spinal curvature correction is achieved, but multiple surgical procedures are required to adjust device length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal curvature correctionVSAvoiddevice length adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical surgical adjustment system with an automated electromechanical system. A motorized drive assembly with a threaded rod converts rotational motion into linear extension or retraction of the growing rod, enabling non-surgical length adjustment. The control system receives signals from a handheld programmer to automatically extend or retract the rod, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions while maintaining reliable spinal curvature correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple surgical procedures are performed to adjust device length, then device functionality is maintained, but patient trauma and associated risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The growing rod device performs its own adjustment function through an integrated automated system. The motorized drive assembly, controlled by a handheld programmer, enables the device to extend or retract itself without requiring external surgical intervention. This self-service capability maintains device functionality while eliminating the harmful effects of repeated surgical procedures on the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automated extension elements are added to eliminate surgical procedures, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice length adjustmentVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the extension elements are telescopically received within the housing. The first and second extension elements can be nested one inside the other, allowing compact storage when not in use and smooth deployment when extension is required. This nesting approach manages device complexity by organizing multiple moving components in a space-efficient manner while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The growing rod device is divided into distinct functional segments: a stationary housing, motorized drive assemblies, extendable rod segments, and control systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the complex automated adjustment mechanism more manageable and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables precise and non-invasive length adjustment of the growing rod device, reducing the number of surgical procedures and associated trauma, while maintaining effective spinal correction.

Implementation Method 1

The power supply is an inductive power supply that relies upon inductive energy transmission from an external device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive energy transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The threaded interface between the drive rotor and the extension element converts rotation of the rotor to translation of the extension element for extension/distraction or compression of the spine or bony anatomy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded mechanical conversion: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9271757B2Automated growing rod device

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 T EQUALS 0 INNOVATION LAB LLC

AI summary

A remotely controllable growing rod device comprises a housing containing on-board electronics and at least one drive assembly operable to move associated extension elements relative to each other. Each extension element terminates in an anchor element configured to be anchored to a part of the spine, such as the pedicle of a vertebral body. The on-board electronics includes a microprocessor, a power supply, such as an inductive power supply, and a receiver/transmitter. The microprocessor is configured to receive remotely transmitted movement data through the receiver and is further configured for feedback controlled actuation of the drive assembly for relative movement the associated extension elements to achieve a desired physiological condition of the patient's spine.