Compressible Screw Head for Locking Implant Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical implant plate and screw systems are complex to manufacture and require multiple steps for screw-plate engagement, often necessitating thick plates for adequate material and integral locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compressible screw system with a screw head that compresses upon tool engagement, allowing expansion to lock into a plate, reducing the number of steps for engagement and allowing for a simpler plate design with reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional integral locking mechanisms are used in the plate, then the screw-plate locking is secure, but the plate thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the plate and transferred to the screw head. The screw head now contains the compressible portion and locking features, while the plate only provides the aperture and receiving area. This extraction reduces plate thickness and manufacturing complexity while maintaining locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible portion of the screw head acts as an intermediary between the screw shank and the plate aperture. It enables the screw head to temporarily reduce in size for insertion, then expand to lock, providing a mechanism that eliminates the need for thick plates with integral locks.
2Reliability
If traditional multi-step engagement procedures are used, then the screw-plate locking is secure, but the surgical procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion and locking functions are merged into a single simultaneous action. As the screw is inserted into the plate aperture, the compressible portion automatically expands to engage the detent feature, achieving both insertion and locking in one motion rather than requiring separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible portion is pre-configured to automatically expand upon insertion. The detent feature is pre-positioned in the plate aperture to receive the screw head, eliminating the need for post-insertion locking steps and reducing surgical procedure time.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is placed on the plate, then the screw engagement is secure, but the plate manufacturing complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the plate and transferred to the screw head. The plate only requires a simple aperture with a detent feature, while the complex compressible locking mechanism resides in the screw, significantly simplifying plate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the locking mechanism in the plate as conventionally done, the invention inverts the approach by placing the compressible locking mechanism in the screw head. This inversion simplifies plate manufacturing while maintaining secure engagement.
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
This solution simplifies the surgical procedure by reducing the number of steps for screw-plate locking and enables thinner, more manufacturally efficient implant plates with an integrated locking mechanism on the screw rather than the plate.
Implementation Method 1
a screw head having at least a portion that is compressible when a tool, such as a screw driver, engages and compresses the portion of the screw head so that it can be received in the plate. Thereafter, the screw head can expand or decompress in order to lock the screw in the plate upon retraction or dismounting of the tool from the screw head.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate system and method comprising a plate and a screw having an integral resilient lock. The screw comprises a head that has a portion that is adapted to be compressible as it is screwed into bone using a tool. After the screw head is received in the plate and the tool is removed therefrom, the screw head decompresses or expands into a locking or receiving area, thereby locking the screw in the plate. The plate is adapted to have at least one or a plurality of detents or lips for cooperating with at least a portion of the screw head to retain the screw in the plate and prevent it from withdrawing therefrom.