Anterior Cervical Plate Assembly with Movable Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cervical plate assemblies face challenges with complex automated blocking mechanisms that are difficult for surgeons to operate, potentially leading to screw stripping and require additional time-consuming steps, especially when removing the base plate.
Innovation Solution
A cervical plate assembly with independently movable blocking mechanisms, featuring a base plate with angled bone screw seats and retention slots, allowing for easy positioning between blocked and open states without the need for specialty tools, ensuring secure screw retention and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated blocking mechanisms are used to prevent screws from backing out, then screw retention is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: blocking elements that can be independently positioned, a biasing element providing force, and retention slots for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall system and enabling easy assembly and removal.
2Reliability
If force is applied to remove screws from blocking mechanisms, then screw retention is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to screw hole stripping
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be easily repositioned between blocking and non-blocking states. This dynamic design eliminates the need for high removal forces, preventing screw hole stripping while maintaining secure retention when blocking is required.
3Reliability
If additional steps are added to install and lock blocking mechanisms, then screw retention is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming surgical steps
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking elements are pre-configured within the base plate structure, positioned in retention slots that guide their installation. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex assembly steps during surgery, allowing surgeons to quickly install and activate the blocking mechanism without specialty tools.
4Ease of operation
If blocking mechanisms are made easy to operate, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient blocking function
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element automatically provides the necessary force to move blocking elements into the blocking position without requiring additional manual intervention. This self-actuating mechanism ensures reliable screw retention while maintaining ease of operation, as the system performs its blocking function automatically once activated.
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 solution simplifies the surgical process by providing a reliable blocking function that is easy to use, reduces the risk of screw stripping, and minimizes additional steps during surgery, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each blocking mechanism includes a biasing element arranged between a first blocking element and a second blocking element
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A cervical plate assembly is disclosed. The cervical plate assembly includes a base plate including: (1) at least two bone screw seats, each bone screw seat including a borehole dimensioned to receive a bone screw, and (2) a first blocking seat positioned between the at least two bone screw seats. The cervical plate assembly includes a blocking mechanism retained within the first blocking seat of the base plate. The blocking mechanism is selectively positionable between a closed position in which the blocking mechanism obstructs at least one bone screw seat to retain a bone screw with the base plate, and an open position in which the bone screw seats are unobstructed.