Cervical Plate Segmented Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anterior cervical plate assemblies have complex automated blocking mechanisms that are difficult for surgeons to operate, can cause screw hole stripping, and require additional steps and tools for installation and removal, making them time-consuming and undesirable during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A cervical plate assembly with a base plate featuring angled bone screw seats and independently positionable blocking mechanisms with biasing elements, allowing for easy activation and deactivation to securely retain or release bone screws without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated blocking mechanisms are used to prevent bone screws from backing out, then screw retention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into independent blocking elements (first blocking element and second blocking element) that can be independently positioned. Each blocking element can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the surgeon to control which bone screw seats are blocked. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining reliable screw retention when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are made dynamically positionable rather than fixed. The first blocking element and second blocking element can be independently moved between blocked and unblocked positions, providing dynamic control over screw retention. This dynamic capability allows the mechanism to adapt to different surgical needs without requiring complex automated systems.
2Ease of operation
If force is applied to remove screws from blocking mechanisms, then screw extraction is achieved, but screw hole stripping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking elements are designed to be extractable or removable from the bone screw seats. Rather than requiring forceful extraction that could strip the screw holes, the blocking elements can be independently positioned away from the screw seats or completely removed. This taking out approach eliminates the harmful stripping effect while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If additional steps and specialty tools are used to install and lock blocking mechanism screws, then blocking function is secured, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing during installation and operation. The independently positionable blocking elements can be directly installed and positioned without requiring additional specialty tools or instruments. The mechanism serves itself by allowing direct manipulation of the blocking elements into their blocking or unblocked positions, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures and specialty tools.
4Reliability
If blocking mechanisms are designed with complex automated features, then screw retention is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is divided into independently controllable blocking elements. The first blocking element and second blocking element can be independently positioned and removed, allowing the plate to be removed by simply moving these elements away from the bone screw seats. This segmentation makes removal straightforward without requiring complex reverse operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a complex reverse operation to disengage blocking features, the mechanism is designed so that blocking elements can be independently positioned away from the screw seats. This inverted approach simplifies removal by allowing direct positioning rather than requiring undoing of complex engagement mechanisms.
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 cervical plate assembly provides a simple and reliable blocking function, reducing the complexity of surgical procedures, minimizing the risk of screw hole stripping, and streamlining the installation process by allowing for easy manipulation of the blocking mechanisms without additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
Each blocking mechanism includes a biasing element arranged between a first blocking element and a second blocking element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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.