Hinged Artificial Spinal Disk With Sliding Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal disc replacement technologies face challenges such as loss of natural body motion, long recovery times, risk of tissue damage, and the need for precise placement and extensive surgical procedures, particularly in achieving quick and reversible disc replacement with minimal invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive total disc replacement device with a sliding bracket assembly, sliding rod, and artificial disk assembly that allows for multi-dimensional motion within controlled limits, secured by mechanical means without bone-to-disc fusion, enabling easy insertion, removal, and self-adjustment, and designed for quick recovery and reversibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone-to-disc fusion is used to secure the artificial disc, then the artificial disc is firmly anchored in place, but the recovery time is extended and the procedure becomes irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological bone-to-disc fusion mechanism with a purely mechanical hinged connection system. The artificial disc is secured through mechanical interlocking between the hinged upper and lower articulating surfaces, eliminating the need for bone growth into the implant. This mechanical substitution enables immediate stability without the 2-year waiting period required for bone fusion, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable anchoring and quick recovery.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise placement and positioning is required for the artificial disc, then the disc can be securely positioned, but extensive surgeon training is required and the surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the hinged articulating surfaces to create a self-aligning mechanism. The specific hinge geometry allows the upper and lower articulating surfaces to automatically orient themselves correctly during insertion, eliminating the need for precise pre-planning and placement. This parameter optimization enables secure positioning through the mechanical design itself rather than through surgical precision, reducing training requirements and procedural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the artificial disc is designed to allow free movement, then natural spinal motion is maintained, but the risk of tissue damage from extraneous penetration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic motion control through the hinged articulating surfaces that provide controlled freedom of movement. The hinge mechanism allows the artificial disc to move naturally with spinal motion while simultaneously constraining the range of motion to prevent extraneous penetration of surrounding tissues. This dynamic design maintains adaptability for natural motion while incorporating safety constraints, resolving the contradiction between motion freedom and tissue protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial spinal disk prosthesis comprised of an artificial disk (101), mounting bracket (105) assembly that secures the disk to at least one vertebrae and a sliding rod (104) that connects the two whereby the shape of the components determines the range of motion of the disk, thus allowing desirable motions of the disk consistent with normal body motions and preventing undesirable motions of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the angular motion of the disk is controlled by a hinge that is on the side of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the artificial disc is connected to the spine via one vertebra.