Compliant Spinal Implant with Flexible Strut Framework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current prosthetic intervertebral discs are large and inflexible, failing to replicate the motion and load-bearing capabilities of healthy spinal discs, leading to a need for a compliant implant that can bend and flex to transmit motion and compress under load.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic spinal implant with compliant components, including a mesh-type framework of strut elements and voids, designed to flex and bend while maintaining structural stability, mimicking the mobility and load-carrying ability of a healthy spinal disc, using materials like titanium and nitinol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If prosthetic intervertebral discs are designed to be large and inflexible, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to transmit motion and compress under load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmotion transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a compliant annular framework with flexible strut elements that can bend and flex to transmit motion through the implant, while maintaining sufficient thickness to provide structural stability and prevent breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The implant utilizes compliant materials such as titanium and nitinol that combine structural strength with flexibility, enabling the implant to both maintain stability and transmit motion under load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If prosthetic intervertebral discs are designed to be large and inflexible, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to compress under load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidload-bearing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The compliant annular framework with flexible strut elements allows the implant to compress under load while maintaining structural stability through sufficient thickness and appropriate material selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes parameters such as strut element thickness, material composition, and framework geometry to achieve the right balance between structural stability and load-bearing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compliant spinal implant allows for the transmission of motion and distribution of loads similar to a healthy spinal disc, providing stability and preventing breakage, thus addressing the limitations of existing prosthetic discs.

Implementation Method 1

a compliant implant for spinal intervertebral disc replacement... configured to allow the implant to flex and bend

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

able to compress similar to a healthy intervertebral disc, when and where a load is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11678994B2Compliant spinal implant

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 BERRY BRET MICHAEL

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to prosthetic spinal implants. Specifically, the present invention relates to a compliant implant for spinal intervertebral disc replacement.