Expandable Interbody Device Peripheral Gear Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current expandable interbody devices often lack space for bone graft material due to the volume occupied by expansion mechanisms, which is essential for bony fusion during spinal fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design positions expansion mechanisms in the peripheral walls of the device, creating a large central chamber for bone graft material while maintaining structural integrity through a system of interlocking gears and racks that expand to increase the device's size, allowing for maximum bony fusion area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If expansion mechanisms are placed in the center of the device, then structural integrity is maintained, but space for bone graft material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanisms are relocated from a central position to the peripheral walls of the device. This dimensional redistribution of components creates a large central chamber for bone graft material while maintaining the structural integrity through strategically positioned peripheral expansion mechanisms that include load-bearing elements.
2Productivity
If expansion mechanisms occupy central volume, then device can expand effectively, but volume for bone graft material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanism is divided into multiple segments distributed along the peripheral walls of the device. Each segment includes its own gear and rack system that can expand independently, allowing the device to achieve effective expansion while maintaining a large central chamber for bone graft material.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanisms are positioned in the peripheral walls rather than the center, utilizing the wall space for mechanical components. This dimensional reorganization creates a large central chamber for bone graft material while maintaining expansion effectiveness through distributed peripheral expansion points.
3Volume of stationary object
If peripheral walls contain expansion mechanisms, then space for bone graft material is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral walls serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the device, contain the expansion mechanisms, and define the boundary of the central chamber for bone graft material. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maximizing bone graft space.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanisms are integrated into the peripheral wall structure itself, combining the wall's structural function with the expansion function. This merging eliminates the need for separate expansion mechanism housings, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the large central chamber for bone graft material.
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 configuration maximizes the space for bone graft material while ensuring the structural requirements for temporary strut functionality during bony fusion, enhancing the effectiveness of spinal fusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a system of interlocking gears and racks that expand to increase the device's size
Implementation Method 2
a system of interlocking gears and racks that expand to increase the device's size
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an expandable interbody device that includes a support structure having a top side and a bottom side, a top plate positioned on the top side of the support structure, a bottom plate positioned on the bottom side of the support structure, a gear rotatably connected to the support structure, wherein the gear is rotatable relative to the support structure, a first rack that is operationally coupled to the top plate, wherein the first rack is operationally connected to the gear such that rotating the gear in an opening direction moves the top plate away from the support structure by moving the first rack relative to the gear, and a second rack that is operationally coupled to the bottom plate, wherein the second rack is operationally connected to the gear such that rotating the gear in an opening direction moves the bottom plate away from the support structure by moving the second rack relative to the gear.