Implant Receiving Part Reinforcement for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stability of receiving parts in implant systems, such as pedicle screws, is compromised by high forces that cause deformation and potential failure due to the spreading of the receiving part, leading to issues like jamming and the locking screw jumping out.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating reinforcement elements with higher rigidity and strength than the receiving part material, which are encapsulated within a closed receptacle to prevent deformation, and using a closure element to secure these elements, allowing for simpler thread shapes and reduced material complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the receiving part is made from a stiffer material to prevent spreading, then the stability and strength are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases particularly in forming special thread shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving part is constructed as a composite structure combining a softer base material (e.g., titanium alloy) with reinforcing elements made of stiffer material (e.g., cobalt-chromium steel). This composite approach provides the necessary strength and stiffness to prevent spreading while maintaining the ease of manufacturing threads in the softer base material.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving part is divided into functional segments: a base receiving part made of easily manufacturable material, and separate reinforcing elements that are inserted into receptacles within the base material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base for manufacturability and the reinforcing elements for strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcing elements are inserted into the receiving part to increase stiffness, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing elements are nested within receptacles formed in the base receiving part. This nesting approach integrates the reinforcing elements into the existing structure without requiring separate external components, thereby minimizing device complexity while still achieving the stability benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcing elements are strategically placed only in specific regions where additional stiffness is needed (e.g., areas subject to high stress or spreading forces), rather than making the entire receiving part uniformly complex. This localized reinforcement optimizes stability while minimizing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the receiving part is designed with simple thread shapes for ease of manufacture, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability under high forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving part uses a composite construction where the base material (with simple, easily manufactured threads) is combined with reinforcing elements. This allows the threads to be formed in the softer, more manufacturable base material while the reinforcing elements provide the additional strength and reliability needed to withstand high forces without compromising thread integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a securing element (10) for an implant system (12) comprising at least two securing elements which can be fixed to bone parts or the like and comprising at least one connecting element (22) which can be fixed to the at least two securing elements. The securing element has a securing part (24) which has a securing portion (25) on the distal side and a receiving part (26) which is connected to the securing part. The receiving part comprises a connecting element receiving area (30) for receiving the connecting element, and the receiving part also comprises a fixing element (50) for fixing the securing element in the connecting element receiving area, said receiving part being made of a receiving part material. The aim of the invention is to improve the stability of the receiving part in the simplest manner possible. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the receiving part comprises at least one reinforcing element (68) which is made of a reinforcing element material that has a greater rigidity and/or strength than the receiving part material. The invention further relates to an improved implant system.