Expandable Spinal Jack with Geared Mechanism for Vertebral Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal jack designs lack the ability to provide in-situ adjustable and secure positioning support between vertebral processes, failing to effectively stabilize and correct vertebral misalignments post-implantation.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable spinal jack with inter-expandable halves and a geared mechanism that allows for precise expansion and retraction, featuring textured gripping surfaces and a spring-loaded lock pin for secure engagement with vertebral processes, enabling minimally invasive adjustments post-implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing spinal jack designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks in-situ adjustability and cannot provide secure positioning support between vertebral processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein-situ adjustabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spinal jack incorporates an expandable mechanism with movable jack halves that can be adjusted in-situ between expanded and retracted positions, transforming a static device into a dynamic one capable of post-implantation adjustment to achieve secure positioning support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The jack is divided into multiple segments including a central body and inter-expandable jack halves, allowing independent movement and adjustment of each segment to provide adaptability while maintaining overall structural coherence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the jack halves are made expandable for adjustment, then in-situ adjustability is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidgeared mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical adjustment systems with a streamlined geared mechanism comprising a drive gear, driven gears, and a worm gear, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining adjustability functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive gear and driven gears are integrated within the central body structure, merging the adjustment mechanism with the main device body to reduce overall device complexity while preserving in-situ adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If gripping portions are added to engage vertebral processes, then secure positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidgripping portions structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping portions incorporate textured surfaces at specific locations where contact with vertebral processes occurs, providing enhanced friction and secure engagement only at the critical interface points rather than throughout the entire device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping portions serve multiple functions: they engage the vertebral processes for positioning, provide friction through textured surfaces for secure holding, and maintain structural support, consolidating several functions into a single component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If a geared mechanism is implemented for expansion, then precise adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoiddevice fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a worm gear mechanism that converts rotational motion into precise linear displacement of the jack halves, achieving accurate adjustment control while using a well-established, manufacturable gear system rather than complex custom mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides stable and adjustable inter-vertebral support, allowing for correction of vertebral misalignments and alleviation of patient discomfort through precise spatial repositioning without the need for additional surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A spring provides an outward bias against the jack halves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The pockets each further include textured surfaces for providing additional gripping of the vertebral processes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

A geared mechanism provides for expanding or retracting the jack halves... The linkage further includes at least one pair of scissor lifts extending between said jack halves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12011360B2Expandable spinal jack for installation between upper and lower succeeding superior articular processes

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 LINARES SPINAL DEVICES LLC

AI summary

A spinal jack adapted for installation between first and second vertebral processes, including a central body supporting first and second inter-expandable jack halves between retracted and expanded positions. Each of the jack halves further includes gripping portions adapted for engaging the vertebral processes. A geared mechanism provides for expanding or retracting the jack halves in order to establish a corrected adjusted orientation between the processes.