Flexible Intervertebral Linking Device for Stress Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing posterior vertebral attachment units either rigidize vertebrae, leading to mechanical stress discontinuity, or offer limited flexibility, failing to effectively dampen mechanical stresses in tension, compression, and flexion.
Innovation Solution
A flexible intervertebral linking device combining rigid metallic structures for load transmission and viscoelastic materials for stress damping, allowing precise adjustment for tension, compression, and flexion modes to mitigate stress on adjacent vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid vertebral attachment units are used to stabilize vertebrae, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but mechanical stress discontinuity and accelerated degeneration occur at adjacent mobile vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of rigidity to flexibility by using viscoelastic materials that can deform under load. The linking device is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt to physiological movements and distribute stresses continuously across the spinal segment, thereby eliminating stress discontinuity at adjacent vertebrae while maintaining adequate mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction combining rigid metallic components (for structural integrity and load transmission) with flexible viscoelastic elements (for stress distribution and movement accommodation). This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between strength and stress continuity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If semi-rigid systems are used to create intermediate rigidity, then stress distribution is improved, but functionality is limited to either tension or compression with thrust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal linking device that can function simultaneously in tension, compression, and flexion modes. The viscoelastic elements are configured to accommodate multidirectional forces and physiological movements, making the device adaptable to various loading conditions without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility through viscoelastic materials that can adapt their mechanical response based on the type and magnitude of applied forces. The device transitions between different states of rigidity and flexibility depending on the loading conditions, allowing it to effectively handle tension, compression, and flexion forces dynamically rather than being restricted to a single mode.
3Force
If artificial ligament-based devices are used for tension control, then tensile strength is provided, but elasticity and tension regulation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid artificial ligaments to viscoelastic materials that exhibit both elasticity and controlled deformation. This allows the device to provide tensile strength while simultaneously accommodating physiological movements and regulating tension dynamically, overcoming the limitations of purely tensile artificial ligament systems.
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 device provides effective mechanical stress damping and resistance, reducing the risk of degeneration by allowing controlled movement and stress distribution across vertebrae, addressing the limitations of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
A second structure (12) is a flexible or damping structure (121 and 122) made of biocompatible viscoelastic materials, permitting repeated elastic deformations
Implementation Method 2
permitting repeated elastic deformations, the combination of the two structures providing the device with both resistance and mechanical stress damping
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible intervertebral linking device (1) is provided. The device (1) utilizes two sets of structures. A first structure (11) is a rigid structure (110, 112, 114, 116) preferably made of biocompatible metallic materials providing the device with good mechanical resistance by integral load transmission without deformation. A second structure (12) is a flexible or damping structure (121 and 122) made of biocompatible viscoelastic materials, permitting repeated elastic deformations. The combination of the two structures providing the device with both resistance and mechanical dampening of forces to which it is subjected, to compensate for any deficiency in the flexibility of certain anatomical links of the human body.