Bone Screw Coupling Element Force Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone screw systems for spinal surgery lack a mechanism to effectively translate and concentrate forces from stabilizer rods to fixation elements, leading to suboptimal alignment and stability of the spine during fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bone screw system comprising a fixation element, a receiving element, a coupling element, and a compression element, where the coupling element translates force from the stabilizer bar to the fixation element, and the compression element applies pressure to the stabilizer bar, ensuring the fixation element is securely positioned against the receiving element, allowing for controlled movement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bone screw system without a coupling element is used, then the structure is simpler, but the force transmission from stabilizer rods to fixation elements is insufficient, leading to suboptimal alignment and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary component between the stabilizer bar and the fixation element. It receives force from the stabilizer bar and translates it to the fixation element, ensuring effective force transmission and improved alignment. The coupling element includes a coupling body with a stabilizer bar interface and a fixation element interface, creating a mechanical bridge that resolves the force transmission issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone screw system is divided into distinct functional segments: the fixation element (pedicle screw), the receiving element (rod holder), the coupling element (force translator), and the compression element (stabilizer bar). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the coupling element specifically designed to handle force translation between the stabilizer bar and fixation element.
2Ease of operation
If the fixation element is rigidly fixed to the receiving element, then the positioning is more stable, but the controlled movement and alignment during surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The coupling element allows controlled movement between the stabilizer bar and fixation element during surgery, enabling alignment adjustments. Once positioned, the compression element secures the components together, providing stability while maintaining the ability to adjust during the surgical procedure.
3Strength
If the compression element applies strong force to the stabilizer bar, then the fixation element is more securely positioned, but the risk of damaging bone or surrounding structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as a force-distributing intermediary between the compression element and the fixation element. It receives compressive force from the compression element and translates it to the fixation element in a controlled manner, distributing the force evenly to avoid concentration points that could damage bone or surrounding structures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple components are added to improve force transmission, then the alignment precision is improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the force reception point for the stabilizer bar and the connection point for the fixation element. It integrates multiple functions (force translation, alignment maintenance, and structural connection) into a single component, reducing the need for additional separate parts while maintaining alignment precision.
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 system enhances the alignment and stability of the spine by effectively transferring forces from the stabilizer rods to the fixation elements, improving the efficacy of spinal fusion procedures by maintaining precise positioning and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling element, positioned below the stabilizer bar when it is in position, couples to the head portion of the fixation element and is configured to translate force from the stabilizer bar to the head portion of the fixation element
Implementation Method 2
The compression element, which is positionable within a portion of the receiving element, is configured to apply a force to the stabilizer bar, which is then transferred to the coupling element
Data Source
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AI summary
A bone screw system is presented. The bone screw system has a fixation element, a receiving element, coupling element, and a compression element. In one aspect, the fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and has a head portion and a threaded shank portion.