Flexible Cross Connector for Spinal Rod Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cross connectors for spine stabilizing systems are rigid, making them difficult to install, adjust, and secure in place, limiting their effectiveness in stabilizing adjacent vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A cross connector design featuring a flexible cross bar with enlarged stops and fasteners, along with scissor-coupled rod clamps that allow for adjustable positioning and secure locking of rods, enabling easy installation and adjustment while preventing unintended separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid structure is used for cross connectors, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of installation and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cross connector incorporates a flexible cross bar that can bend and deform elastically during installation and adjustment, allowing the device to adapt to different rod positions and spacings. This dynamic flexibility enables easy installation and adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through elastic recovery, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for strength and flexibility for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross bar is designed with specific elastic properties and geometric parameters that allow it to change its shape and stiffness characteristics. The flexible cross bar can deform under applied loads during installation and then return to its original shape, providing the necessary flexibility for easy installation while maintaining sufficient strength for spinal stabilization.
2Strength
If a rigid structure is used for cross connectors, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to various rod spacings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cross bar can dynamically adjust its shape and positioning to accommodate various rod spacings while maintaining structural strength. The elastic deformation allows the cross bar to adapt to different configurations, providing versatility for different spinal stabilization scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross connector design with a flexible cross bar serves multiple functions by accommodating various rod spacings and configurations. This universal design allows a single cross connector type to be used across different surgical scenarios, enhancing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic properties of the cross bar.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rigid cross connectors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar is designed as a flexible element that can be manufactured using standard techniques but exhibits elastic deformation characteristics. This flexible design allows for easy adjustment during surgery while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and ease of adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A cross connector that can be used with a spinal implant includes a first rod clamp having a first end and an opposing second end, the first rod clamp having a first clamp arm crossing a second clamp arm so as to form a scissor coupling. The cross connector also includes a second rod clamp and a cross bar assembly extending between the first rod clamp and the second rod clamp.