Compressible Cervical Plate Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic appliances often fail to provide controlled load sharing, which can inhibit ossification and healing of bone structures, as they typically rely on rigid designs that transfer excessive loads to the vertebral column.
Innovation Solution
A compression plate system that includes a plug plate segment with a spring retaining member, a socket plate segment moveably coupled to the plug plate segment, and a spring that biases the socket plate segment towards the plug plate segment, providing active compression between osseous structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid orthopedic device is used to provide support to the vertebral column, then structural support and stability are improved, but load transfer to the bone structure increases which inhibits ossification and healing
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical plate incorporates a dynamic element (spring or elastomeric material) that allows controlled movement and deformation, enabling the device to adapt to physiological loads while maintaining structural support. This dynamic characteristic permits load sharing between the implant and bone structure, promoting ossification.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes materials with specific elastic moduli or spring constants that can be selected or adjusted to control the degree of load transfer. By changing the stiffness parameter of the dynamic element, the device optimizes the balance between providing structural support and allowing beneficial load transfer to stimulate bone healing.
2Reliability
If a rigid cervical plate is used to prevent damage to bone grafts, then protection and stability are improved, but controlled load sharing is lost which inhibits healing
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic element provides controlled compliance that protects bone grafts from excessive or sudden loads while simultaneously allowing gradual, beneficial loading that stimulates ossification. The dynamic characteristic enables the device to absorb impact forces while transmitting physiological loads to promote healing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a compressible cervical plate with dynamic elements is used, then controlled load sharing and ossification are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than complex mechanical mechanisms, the invention achieves controlled load sharing by selecting materials with appropriate elastic properties or spring constants. This parameter-based approach simplifies the device structure while maintaining the ability to control load transfer and promote bone healing.
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 allows for controlled load sharing and enhanced ossification by actively compressing bone structures, promoting healing and preventing damage to bone grafts.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed at the spring retaining member, wherein the spring is arranged to bias the socket plate segment towards the plug plate segment and thereby provide the active compression between the two or more osseous structures
Data Source
AI summary
A compressible plate including a plurality of plate segments for compressing two or more osseous structures. The compressible cervical plate includes a spring retaining member extending from at least one plate segment and a spring retaining member recess disposed at another plate segment, the spring retaining member recess receiving the spring retaining member. A spring disposed at the spring retaining member and providing active compression between the plurality of plate segments.