Expandable Cage Adjustment Tool for Spinal Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjustment tools for intervertebral implants face challenges in measuring expansion, controlling height and lordosis angle, and maintaining connection, which affects the performance and invasiveness of spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustment tool comprising a housing, traveler members, tether members, and drive members that allow for precise adjustment of intervertebral implants by rotating the traveler relative to the housing, with a gear assembly enabling independent rotation and linear movement of tether members to control the implant's expansion and lordosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional adjustment tools are used to adjust intervertebral implants, then basic height adjustment is possible, but measurement precision of expansion and control of lordosis angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment tool is divided into separate functional modules: a driver component for rotational input, a traveler component with gear mechanism for motion conversion, and a tether component for linear actuation. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The traveler component acts as an intermediary between the rotational driver and the linear tether movement. The gear mechanism within the traveler converts rotational motion to linear motion with precise control, enabling accurate measurement of expansion without requiring the entire tool to be complex.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional adjustment tools are used to control implant parameters, then basic adjustment is possible, but control precision of height and lordosis angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool replaces direct manual manipulation with a structured mechanical transmission system. The gear mechanism provides mechanical advantage and precise motion control, while the tether system translates rotational input into controlled linear expansion. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple rotational input while achieving high control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism provides inherent feedback through its mechanical ratio, allowing the operator to sense and control the exact amount of expansion. The interlocking teeth of the gear ensure precise positional feedback, enabling accurate control of height and lordosis angle without complex electronic systems.
3Reliability
If conventional adjustment tools are used, then connection to implant is established, but reliability of maintaining connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The traveler component can engage and disengage from the tether, and the driver can be repositioned along the tether. This dynamic connection maintains reliability by allowing the tool to adapt to different implant positions and adjustment stages without requiring a permanently complex connection system.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional adjustment tools are used, then basic procedural capability is maintained, but invasiveness of spinal fusion procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform height adjustment, lordosis angle control, and expansion measurement using a single integrated system. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments, thereby minimizing procedural invasiveness while maintaining or improving efficiency through consolidated functionality.
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 tool enhances the precision and minimizes invasiveness of spinal fusion procedures by allowing for accurate adjustment of implant height and lordosis, improving the overall performance and effectiveness of spinal stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
The traveler member is coupled to the housing such that rotation of the traveler relative to the housing causes linear movement of the traveler relative to the housing
Implementation Method 2
The gear assembly comprises a first gear member and a second gear member. The first gear member is rotationally coupled to the first drive member such that rotation of the first drive member causes rotation of the first gear member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment tool configured to adjust an intervertebral implant comprises a housing, a traveler member, a tether member, and a drive member. The traveler member is coupled to the housing. A proximal end of the tether member is coupled to the traveler, and a distal end of the tether member is configured to couple to the implant. The tether member is substantially linearly fixed to the traveler and rotatable relative to the traveler. The drive member is configured to transition between 1.) a first position in which the drive member is coupled to the tether such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the tether relative to the traveler, and 2.) a second position in which the drive member is coupled to the traveler such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the traveler relative to the housing.