Bellows Spinal Fusion Implant for Imaging and Bone Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal interbody fusion devices face challenges in combining the strength and osteointegration properties of titanium with the radiolucency and biomechanical properties of PEEK, while also providing effective imaging transparency and biomechanical mimicry of the spine.

Innovation Solution

A bellows-shaped spinal implant with a titanium shell and inwardly angled walls, featuring porous contact regions with gyroid lattice structures for enhanced osteointegration and radiolucency, mimicking the biomechanical properties of the spine and allowing radiographic imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If titanium is used for the spinal implant, then osteointegration and strength are improved, but radiolucency and biomechanical flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveosteointegrationVSAvoidradiolucency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining titanium with PEEK (polyetheretherketone) to create an interbody fusion device that exhibits both osteointegration properties of titanium and radiolucency properties of PEEK. The device may have a PEEK body with titanium coatings or titanium reinforcement elements, creating a composite structure that balances mechanical strength, bone integration, and imaging transparency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing titanium coating or reinforcement only at specific locations where osteointegration is most needed (such as the endplate contact surfaces), while the main body remains as radiolucent PEEK material. This allows different regions of the implant to have different material properties optimized for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If titanium is used for the spinal implant, then strength and osteointegration are improved, but radiographic imaging transparency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidradiographic imaging transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of PEEK with titanium elements allows the implant to maintain structural strength while enabling radiographic imaging. The PEEK matrix provides radiolucency for clear imaging, while embedded titanium components provide the necessary mechanical strength and osteointegration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If PEEK is used for the spinal implant, then radiolucency and biomechanical properties similar to bone are improved, but osteointegration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveradiolucencyVSAvoidosteointegration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to combine PEEK's radiolucency and biomechanical properties with titanium's osteointegration capabilities. The PEEK provides the radiolucent matrix while titanium coatings or reinforcement elements provide the bone-integrating surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating titanium material only at the surfaces that contact bone (endplates and porous regions), while the bulk of the implant remains as PEEK. This localized application of titanium provides osteointegration where needed without compromising the overall radiolucency of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the implant wall is made thin for radiolucency, then radiographic imaging transparency is improved, but structural stiffness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiographic imaging transparencyVSAvoidstructural stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin-walled bellows structures that can be made from radiolucent materials like PEEK or titanium alloys. The bellows configuration provides structural integrity through its geometric design rather than relying solely on wall thickness, allowing thin walls that enable radiographic imaging while maintaining adequate structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows structure with its curved, accordion-like geometry provides structural strength through its three-dimensional form. The curved walls and folded configuration distribute mechanical loads effectively, allowing thin-walled construction that maintains both radiolucency and structural stiffness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250302637A1Spinal interbody fusion device

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SPINE WAVE INC

AI summary

A bellows shaped spinal implant, comprising an upper plate, a lower plate and a bellows shaped shell extending between and joining the upper and lower plates. The bellows shaped shell is formed of titanium or an alloy comprising titanium and includes a wall extending therearound that defines a hollow interior. The wall has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm to provide for radiographic imaging through the wall. The wall is angled or curved inwardly or outwardly between the upper and lower plates to provide stiffness mimicking the stiffness properties of a similarly sized polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant. The upper and lower plates each comprise porous contact regions including a three-dimensional gyroid lattice structure defined by a plurality of struts and pores in communication with the hollow interior. The outer surfaces of at least a portion of the struts may comprise a laser ablated textured surface.