Surgical Implant Locking Member Prevents Fastener Backout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implants with fasteners often experience backout due to patient movement or bone changes, leading to tissue injury, discomfort, and improper implant positioning, which can hinder the implant's functionality and cause further harm.
Innovation Solution
A surgical implant with a locking member made of resilient material, such as Nickel-Titanium alloy, that moves away during fastener insertion and rebounds to prevent backout by extending over the fastener, securing it in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener is inserted through the implant to secure it in position, then the implant can be mounted at the appropriate position, but the fastener may backout of the bone after initial mounting, causing tissue injury and implant displacement
Solution Approach 1:
A locking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the fastener and the implant. The locking member engages with the fastener shaft and prevents the fastener head from backing out of the implant, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of tissue injury while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-positioned on the fastener before insertion into the implant. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism is already in place to prevent backout, addressing the reliability issue before the fastening operation is completed
2Ease of operation
If the fastener head extends outward above the implant surface to secure the fastener, then the fastener can be properly mounted, but the protruding head causes discomfort and potential injury to surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as a mediator that allows the fastener to be securely retained without requiring the head to protrude above the implant surface. The locking member engages the fastener shaft internally, eliminating the need for an external protruding head while maintaining ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fastener is allowed to backout to accommodate bone changes or movement, then the implant can adapt to physiological changes, but the implant moves from its appropriate position, preventing it from performing its expected function
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves as a mediator that maintains the fastener's position within the implant, preventing backout that would cause implant displacement. This ensures reliable positioning while still allowing for controlled adaptation through the locking mechanism's design
4Reliability
If a locking member made of resilient material is used to prevent fastener backout, then the fastener is securely retained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member utilizes changes in material properties (resilience) to achieve its function. The resilient material allows the locking member to deform during fastener insertion and then rebound to lock the fastener in place, providing reliable retention through material parameter changes rather than complex mechanical structures
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 locking member effectively prevents fastener backout, maintaining the implant's position and reducing tissue injury and discomfort, ensuring the implant performs its intended function.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is constructed of a resilient material that is movable to allow insertion of the fastener. Once the fastener is inserted below a level of the locking member, the locking member rebounds over the fastener.
Implementation Method 2
A surgical implant with a locking member made of resilient material, such as Nickel-Titanium alloy, that moves away during fastener insertion and rebounds to prevent backout by extending over the fastener
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application is directed to an implant maintained within the patient by a fastener. The implant includes an aperture sized to receive the fastener. A locking member extends across the aperture in a first position. The locking member is constructed of a resilient material that is movable to a second position during insertion of the fastener. Once the fastener is inserted within the aperture below a level of the locking member, the locking member rebounds towards the first position and extends over the fastener. The locking member prevents the fastener from backing out of the implant.