Implant Anchor Rivet Locking to Prevent Set Screw Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional set screw systems in medical implants are prone to loosening due to stored potential energy, compromising the integrity and safety of the implant system under external forces, leading to potential detachment and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A rivet system is used to securely attach an anchor to an implant body, featuring a rivet with a projection and socket configuration, a plug for locking the rivet head in an expanded configuration, and an applicator for assisting in the attachment process, enhancing the durability and stability of the implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional set screw system is used to attach an anchor to an implant body, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection becomes prone to loosening under external forces due to stored potential energy
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional segments: the anchor with socket, the rivet with head and shaft, and the plug. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the rivet provides mechanical connection while the plug prevents energy storage and loosening, resolving the contradiction between simple assembly and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of potential energy storage in the set screw is extracted and eliminated by replacing the screw mechanism with a rivet-plug system. The rivet provides the mechanical connection while the plug prevents any elastic energy accumulation, thereby maintaining connection stability without the loosening problem.
2Strength
If a set screw is tightened to secure the anchor, then the initial connection strength is sufficient, but the stored potential energy causes loosening when exposed to vibration and loading
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the potential harm of elastic energy storage into a benefit by using the rivet's rigid structure combined with the plug. The plug prevents any elastic deformation that would store energy, thereby eliminating the source of loosening while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the rivet's interference fit and friction.
3Reliability
If a rivet with expanded configuration is used to prevent loosening, then the connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple configurations and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet head is designed with localized expansion capability only where needed for locking, while the shaft remains simple for insertion. The plug provides localized locking function within the rivet structure, maintaining overall simplicity while achieving reliable connection stability through targeted structural features.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a secure and durable implant are disclosed. For example, the systems and methods may include securely attaching an anchor to an implant body. In some cases, the anchor has an anchor head. In some cases, a coupler for coupling to the implant body is configured to receive the anchor. Some implementations of the disclosed systems and methods include a rivet for attaching the anchor to the coupler. In some implementations at least one of the anchor head and the rivet includes a projection, while the other includes a socket configured to receive the projection. Other implementations are discussed herein.