Intervertebral Disc with Helical Shock Absorber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic intervertebral discs lack a shock-absorbing component in addition to the articulating component, which is essential for mimicking the natural disc's motion and stability, leading to inadequate support and motion range in artificial disc replacements.
Innovation Solution
An artificial disc with a mobile core peripherally constrained by a helical shock absorber, providing both articulation and shock-absorbing qualities, allowing for controlled range of motion in axial rotation and maintaining proper intervertebral spacing and full range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only an articulating component is provided between prosthetic endplates, then the device structure is simpler, but shock-absorbing capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the articulating component and shock-absorbing component into a single integrated motion disc device. The articulating component with curved surfaces provides motion functionality, while the shock-absorbing component (elastomeric material) is incorporated within the same device structure to provide shock absorption. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving both motion capability and shock-absorbing capability without requiring separate independent devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion disc is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs articulation (pivotal motion) and shock absorption. The articulating component with convex and concave curved surfaces enables pivotal motion between vertebrae, while the elastomeric shock-absorbing component within the same device provides shock absorption during compression. This universal design allows a single device to fulfill multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components.
2Reliability
If a shock-absorbing component is added to the articulating component, then shock-absorbing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing component made of elastomeric material is nested within the structure of the motion disc, specifically positioned between the articulating component and the prosthetic endplates. This nesting arrangement allows the shock-absorbing functionality to be incorporated without adding significant external complexity to the device structure, as the shock-absorbing element is integrated into the existing device architecture rather than being a separate external component.
3Reliability
If a rubber core is used for shock absorption, then shock-absorbing effect is achieved, but shear stress resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The motion disc employs composite material construction, combining metal or rigid material for the articulating component with elastomeric material for the shock-absorbing component. The articulating component provides structural strength and rigidity necessary for withstanding shear stresses during articulation, while the elastomeric shock-absorbing component provides shock absorption during compression. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function, resolving the contradiction between shock-absorbing effect and shear stress resistance.
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 helical shock-absorbing component enhances the disc's stiffness and shock-absorbing qualities, mimicking natural disc behavior in flexion and torsion, providing controlled motion and stability, thus improving the artificial disc's performance in mimicking natural spinal motion.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorbing component made of an elastomeric material... providing controlled motion and stability... mimicking natural disc behavior in flexion and torsion
Implementation Method 2
peripheral, helical shock-absorbing component... providing both articulation and shock-absorbing qualities
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an intervertebral motion disc having two opposing endplates, a central articulating core, and a peripheral helical shock absorber.