Electro-Mechanical Intervertebral Disc Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial spinal discs fail to dynamically respond to changing axial loading forces and kinematic movements, lacking the ability to simulate natural disc function, which leads to inadequate pain relief in degenerative disc disease patients.
Innovation Solution
The development of electro-mechanical intervertebral discs (EMDs) with linear and rotary actuation systems, incorporating position and motion sensors, microchips, and lead screw or rotary motors to dynamically alter disc height and motion, simulating natural spinal disc function by responding to real-time sensory inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If static non-dynamic artificial discs are used to replace and expand disc heights, then structural support is provided, but the ability to dynamically respond to changing axial loading forces and kinematic movements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the static artificial disc into a dynamic system through the integration of linear activation systems (LAS) with motor actuators. The LAS components include a motor assembly, lead screw, nut, and telescoping cylinders that enable real-time adjustment of disc height and angle in response to sensory feedback, allowing the implant to adapt its mechanical properties dynamically while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the Feedback principle by incorporating position and motion sensors that continuously monitor spinal disc movement and transmit signals to a microprocessor. The microprocessor processes this sensory information and sends control signals to the motor actuators, creating a closed-loop control system that enables the artificial disc to sense, process, and respond to real-time mechanical conditions, thereby achieving dynamic adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If microprocessors and motor actuators are integrated into artificial discs to enable dynamic response, then real-time sensory processing and motor response capabilities are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Nested doll principle by integrating the motor actuators and electronic control systems within the existing artificial disc structure. The motor assemblies are positioned within the disc body, with lead screws and telescoping cylinders nested within each other, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that minimizes overall device volume while accommodating complex functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the Universality principle through the linear activation system that can perform multiple functions: adjusting disc height, controlling disc angle, and regulating degrees of motion. The same motor actuator and LAS mechanism handle various spinal movements (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral bending), eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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
These EMDs provide sensitive and dynamic motion responses to various spinal positions and activities, closely mimicking natural disc function, thereby improving the quality of life for patients with degenerative disc disease by offering effective pain relief and enhanced disc function.
Implementation Method 1
internalized lead screw motor, thereby dynamically altering the height and angle of the intervertebral disc
Implementation Method 2
position and motion sensors that feed-back via a microchip to an internalized lead screw motor
Implementation Method 3
employ rotary motors to actuate flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.