Expandable Vertebral Spacer with Angled Surfaces

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for controlling the spacing between vertebral members face challenges in being minimally invasive while effectively spacing the vertebral members, as small devices are inadequate and larger devices cannot be inserted minimally invasively.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a spacer that is selectively adjustable between a closed and open orientation, with angled surfaces that increase in size as moved relative to each other, allowing for varying heights and a locking mechanism, positioned between vertebral members using a delivery device and deployer for minimally invasive insertion and deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a small device is used, then it can be inserted in a minimally invasive manner, but it is not adequate to effectively space the vertebral members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimally invasive insertionVSAvoiddevice size for spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is designed with nested members that can be inserted within each other in a compressed state, allowing the device to pass through a minimally invasive access path. Once positioned between the vertebral members, the members are deployed outward from their nested configuration to achieve the required spacing height. This nesting principle allows the device to have a small insertion profile while achieving a larger functional size for effective vertebral spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer transitions from a static small size during insertion to a dynamically expandable configuration once positioned. The device includes movable members that can be actuated to change the overall height of the spacer, allowing it to adapt from a compact insertion state to an expanded functional state. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between small insertion size and large functional size for effective spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If a larger device is used, then it is effective to space the vertebral members, but it cannot be inserted in a minimally invasive manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice size for spacingVSAvoidminimally invasive insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is designed with nested members that can be inserted within each other in a compressed state, allowing the device to pass through a minimally invasive access path. Once positioned between the vertebral members, the members are deployed outward from their nested configuration to achieve the required spacing height. This nesting principle allows the device to have a small insertion profile while achieving a larger functional size for effective vertebral spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer is divided into multiple separate members that can be independently positioned and then assembled together to form the complete spacing structure. This segmentation allows each member to be inserted through a minimally invasive approach, and then the members are connected or expanded to achieve the full spacing function. The segmented design enables the device to bypass the limitation of inserting a single large component while still achieving the required spacing effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the spacer is made adjustable between closed and open orientations, then precise spacing can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise spacing controlVSAvoidadjustable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer transitions from a static small size during insertion to a dynamically expandable configuration once positioned. The device includes movable members that can be actuated to change the overall height of the spacer, allowing it to adapt from a compact insertion state to an expanded functional state. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between small insertion size and large functional size for effective spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer members are pre-configured with angled surfaces and geometric features that enable controlled expansion to specific height orientations. The design incorporates predetermined expansion paths and mechanical constraints that guide the members into specific angular positions, allowing precise spacing heights to be achieved through relatively simple actuation. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining precision in the final spacing position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7828849B2Expanding interbody implant and articulating inserter and method

Publication Date: 2010.11.09 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

AI summary

A device for processing vertebral members having a spacer, a delivery device, and a deployer. The spacer includes at least first and second members with the first having at least one angled section and a contact surface, a second member having at least one angled section and a contact surface. The delivery device is attached to at least one of the first and second members. The first and second members being movable relative to one another for the angled sections to contact and expand the height of the device. The device is positionable between a first closed orientation having a first height, a second open orientation having a second height greater than the first height, and gradations therebetween. Methods of spacing vertebral members using the spacer are also disclosed.