Universal Rod-to-Bone Anchor Coupling for Controlled Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular bone anchoring systems are complex and require multiple parts, lacking flexibility in functionality between polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial designs, leading to increased manufacturing and inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that can be used with different bone anchors to achieve polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial functionalities by allowing the bone anchor to pivot in multiple or single planes, with optional insert members to adjust friction and locking, and a design that allows bottom or top loading of the bone anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate coupling devices are used for polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial functionalities, then each specific functionality is achieved reliably, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with a universal receiving part that can accommodate different bone anchor types (first type with spherical head, second type with cylindrical head) and different insert members (first insert for polyaxial, second insert for monoplanar, third insert for monoaxial) to achieve multiple functionalities with a single device design, eliminating the need for separate coupling devices for each application
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate coupling devices are used for different functionalities, then each specific application is optimized, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device uses a standardized receiving part design that can work with multiple bone anchor types and insert members, allowing manufacturers to produce a single universal coupling device rather than maintaining separate inventories for polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial devices, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal coupling device is used for different bone anchor types, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into modular components: a universal receiving part and interchangeable insert members. Each insert member is designed with specific features (spherical surface, cylindrical surface, flat surface) that correspond to different bone anchor head types, allowing the system to achieve high versatility through simple modular combinations rather than complex integrated designs
4Adaptability or versatility
If different insert members are used for different functionalities, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert members are designed to be nested within the receiving part of the coupling device. Each insert member (first, second, or third) can be independently positioned and locked within the receiving part, creating a compact nested structure that provides multiple functionalities without requiring separate external components for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling a rod to bone includes first and second bone anchors that are different from one another and a coupling device including a receiving part with a central axis and a head receiving portion for interchangeably receiving a head of either the first or second bone anchors, and a pressure member configured to exert pressure on the head of either the first or second bone anchors when the head is in the receiving part to clamp the inserted head at a particular position relative to the receiving part. The coupling device includes a restraining surface configured to cooperate with the first bone anchor to restrict pivoting of the first bone anchor to a single plane. The coupling device is configured to cooperate with the second bone anchor to restrict pivoting of the second bone anchor differently than the restricted pivoting of the first bone anchor.