Expandable Intervertebral Fusion Implant Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral fusion implants struggle to achieve adequate stability and fit within varying disc space heights and shapes due to limitations in vertical and lateral expansion, leading to complications such as vascular damage, neural irritation, and sub-optimal stability or implant migration.
Innovation Solution
An expandable intervertebral fusion implant design featuring a combination of wedges and cross-members that allow for both vertical and lateral expansion, enabling precise fitting within the disc space through a sliding and locking mechanism, thereby accommodating varying anatomical dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current intervertebral fusion implants are used, then the implant can be placed within the disc space, but the implant cannot achieve adequate stability and fit within varying disc space heights and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates expandable components that can dynamically adjust their dimensions. The implant body can be expanded vertically and laterally to match the specific height and shape of the disc space, transforming from a fixed configuration to an adaptable one that conforms to varying anatomical dimensions while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant allows for parameter changes in its physical dimensions (height, width, depth) to adapt to different disc spaces. By modifying the size parameters of the implant body through expansion mechanisms, the device can achieve optimal fit and stability across a range of anatomical variations without compromising structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is expanded to match varying disc space dimensions, then the fit and stability are improved, but the risk of vascular damage and neural irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is inserted in a compressed, low-profile state before expansion, allowing it to be placed within the disc space without exerting excessive force on surrounding structures. The expansion to match specific dimensions occurs after proper positioning is achieved, preventing vascular damage and neural irritation that would result from forcing a fully expanded implant into place.
Solution Approach 2:
The gradual expansion capability allows the implant to incrementally increase in size after insertion, adapting to the disc space dimensions without sudden forceful expansion that could damage blood vessels or nerves. The dynamic adjustment occurs under controlled conditions once the implant is securely positioned.
3Device complexity
If the implant uses a fixed design, then the structure is simple, but the implant may migrate or provide sub-optimal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates expandable components with controlled mobility. The expansion mechanisms allow the implant to transition from a compact inserted state to an expanded stable state, with locking features that maintain the final position. This dynamic design provides optimal stability while preventing migration, balancing the need for structural simplicity with reliability requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is designed with expandable components, then the adaptability to varying disc spaces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into modular components including an implant body and expandable elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified production of individual parts while achieving complex overall functionality, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the expandable features.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable components are nested within or integrated with the implant body in a compact configuration. The expansion mechanisms are contained within the overall implant structure, allowing the complex functional elements to be housed within a relatively simple external form factor, minimizing the apparent device 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
The expandable design provides enhanced stability and secure placement within the disc space, reducing the risk of complications like vascular damage and implant migration, while allowing for controlled expansion and collapse to match the specific dimensions of the intervertebral disc space.
Implementation Method 1
a first wedge slidably connected to the plate... a second wedge slidably connected to the second plate... the first surface is operatively arranged to engage the second surface to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable intervertebral fusion implant capable of being expanded in three dimensions, said implant including an inferior component, including a plate, and a first wedge slidably connected to the plate, the first wedge having a first surface, and a superior component including a second wedge, the second wedge having a second surface, wherein the first surface is operatively arranged to engage the second surface to displace the superior component relative to the inferior component. The surfaces of the wedges may be angled and include a plurality of corrugations or steps which engage to allow the implant to expand and collapse.