Expandable Spinal Fusion Device with Removable Cam
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable spinal fusion cages have a non-removable insert in the expanded orientation, limiting the size of the cavity for bone graft material insertion and restricting the device's functionality.
Innovation Solution
An expandable spinal fusion device featuring an elongated cam and locking mechanism that allows the first and second elongated plates to move from a collapsed to an expanded orientation, with a separate locking mechanism maintaining the expanded position, enabling the cam's removal without collapsing the plates, thus allowing for increased bone graft material insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the insert is not removable when the cage is in the expanded orientation, then the device maintains structural integrity, but the size of the cavity for bone graft material insertion is substantially limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: the elongated cam (insert) and the elongated plates (cage structure). The cam can be removed from between the plates after expansion, creating access to the interior cavity for bone graft material insertion while maintaining the expanded structural configuration of the plates
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated cam is extracted (removed) from the expanded cage structure after serving its expansion function. This removal creates access to the interior cavity for bone graft material while the plates remain in their expanded orientation, solving the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and enabling graft insertion
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is separate from the elongated cam, then the cam is removable without causing plates to return to collapsed orientation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented as a separate mechanism distinct from the elongated cam. This separate locking mechanism can maintain the expanded orientation of the plates independently, allowing the cam to be removed without compromising the structural integrity or causing collapse
Solution Approach 2:
The separate locking mechanism acts as an intermediary that maintains the expanded configuration of the plates. It mediates between the cam removal action and the plate orientation, ensuring the plates remain expanded even when the cam is extracted
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
Enables the device to maintain an expanded orientation for enhanced bone fusion while allowing the cam to be removed, facilitating larger bone graft material insertion and improved spinal fusion efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated cam may be adapted to cause the first and second elongated plates to move away from each other upon the elongated cam being rotated about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism may be separate from the elongated cam and adapted to maintain the relative orientation of first and second elongated plates in the at least one expanded orientation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Provided are systems, devices and methods for treating spinal injuries and abnormalities. For example, provided are spinal fusion devices and methods for treating degenerative disc disease using the spinal fusion device.