Cervical Spine Fixation Groove Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cervical spine fixation apparatuses require additional components, such as movable washers, to allow the spacer to move relative to the body, which complicates the coupling process and can lead to unintended movements during intervertebral fusion.
Innovation Solution
A cervical spine fixation apparatus that integrates a groove on the spacer and a coupling portion on the frame, allowing for movement without additional components, using materials like titanium alloy or crystallized glass ceramic for the spacer and stainless steel or cobalt chrome alloy for the frame, with a coupling mechanism that prevents frame protrusion beyond 1 mm to avoid nerve contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components such as movable washers are used to allow the spacer to move relative to the body, then the spacer can achieve relative movement, but the device complexity increases and the coupling process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is directly formed on the spacer body, merging the movement guidance function into the spacer itself rather than using a separate movable washer component. This integration eliminates additional parts while maintaining the relative movement capability between the spacer and body.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable washer component is completely removed from the system. Instead, the essential function of enabling relative movement is extracted and implemented through the groove structure directly formed on the spacer, simplifying the overall device.
2Reliability
If additional components are used for coupling the spacer to the body, then the coupling can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complicated coupling process
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is simplified by integrating the groove directly on the spacer that receives the coupling portion of the frame. This eliminates the need for separate movable washers and complex assembly steps, making the coupling process more straightforward while maintaining stable connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is allowed to move freely relative to the body, then the adjustment flexibility is improved, but harmful factors increase due to unintended movements during intervertebral fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure is designed in advance to guide and constrain the frame's movement along a predetermined path. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents unintended movements during intervertebral fusion by ensuring the frame only moves in the intended direction and manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structure between the frame and the body, mediating the relative movement. It allows controlled movement while preventing harmful unintended movements, serving as a guiding interface that ensures safe and predictable frame displacement.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~3(b)
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a cervical spine fixation apparatus comprising: a body; a spacer; and a frame which is positioned on the lateral side of the spacer and couples with the spacer, wherein the frame has a coupling part for coupling with the body, and the body comprises a hole in which the coupling part of the frame is inserted. Or, the disclosure relates to a cervical spine fixation apparatus comprising: a body; and a spacer having a coupling part, wherein the body comprises a hole in which the coupling part is inserted, and the spacer moves with respect to the body.