Modular Bone Anchoring Device with Flexible Pressure Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyaxial bone anchoring devices are typically pre-assembled and require selection of specific screws before surgery, limiting flexibility and increasing costs, as they are not easily customizable or upgradable by surgeons during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular bone anchoring device with few, simply designed parts that can be assembled on-site using a pressure element with a flexible portion and securing mechanism, allowing for various combinations of anchoring elements and receivers to be selected based on clinical needs, reducing inventory and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polyaxial bone anchoring devices are pre-assembled with specific screw elements, then the device is ready for immediate use, but the flexibility and adaptability for different surgical needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchoring device is divided into separable components: a receiving part and a pressure element that can be assembled together during surgery. This segmentation allows surgeons to select and assemble specific combinations based on clinical requirements while maintaining ease of use through a straightforward assembly process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-assembled screw types are maintained in inventory, then all surgical needs can be met, but the cost and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving part and pressure element are designed as universal components that can work together with various screw elements. This multi-functionality allows a single receiving part design to accommodate different surgical needs by simply changing the screw element, thereby reducing the number of unique assembled units that need to be inventoried.
3Ease of operation
If the pressure element is freely movable in the receiving part, then easy assembly is achieved, but the risk of component loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is designed to be inserted into and nested within the receiving part, where it can move freely during assembly but is ultimately retained within the receiving part structure. This nesting arrangement allows easy insertion while preventing accidental loss during surgery.
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 surgeons to easily assemble and customize the device during surgery, reducing costs and inventory, while ensuring secure locking of the pressure element, providing flexibility in application and reducing the risk of component loss.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure element has a flexible portion to clamp the head
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
Figure 9a~9d
AI summary
A bone anchoring device is provided including an anchoring element (1) having a shaft (2) for anchoring in the bone and a head (3), a receiving part (5) having a top end (5a) and a bottom end (5b), a channel (11) for receiving the rod (6) near the top end and an accomodation space (9a, 9b) for accomodating the head near the bottom end, the accommodation space having an opening (10) towards the bottom end , the opening being sized so as to allow the introduction of the head (3) from the bottom end; a pressure element (8) formed in one piece, the pressure element being located at least partly in the accomodation space and having a flexible portion (85) to clamp the head; wherein the anchoring element is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by moving the pressure element inside the accomodation space such that the head (3) is locked within the flexible portion (85) of the pressure element; wherein the pressure element comprises a first securing portion (83) which is coupled to a second securing portion (9d) at the receiving part when the pressure element is inserted into the receiving part to prevent loss of the pressure element from the receiving part.