Integral Locking Fastener for Spinal Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for affixing bone portions lack effective locking mechanisms to prevent inadvertent backing out of fasteners, particularly in spinal plate applications where secure fixation and fusion of vertebrae are required.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a fastener with a distal portion that deflects and rebounds through a non-rigid stratum, featuring a lip to secure the fastener in place, and integral locking mechanisms within the stratum, such as slots and recesses, to prevent backing out, along with end caps and linking members that connect and retain the fastener position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener system is used to affix bone portions, then the bone portions can be connected, but the fasteners may inadvertently back out without effective locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the fastener itself, creating an integral locking fastener where the locking feature is built into the fastener structure. This eliminates the need for separate locking elements while maintaining reliable fastener retention through the integrated locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates self-locking features that automatically engage with the bone portion or stratum without requiring additional locking components. The fastener serves its own locking function through design elements such as threaded portions, engagement features, or deformation mechanisms that prevent inadvertent backing out.
2Reliability
If additional locking elements are added to prevent fastener backing out, then fastener retention improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is combined with the fastener body, eliminating the need for separate locking elements. The integral locking mechanism is formed as part of the fastener structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining reliable retention through features such as integrated threads, engagement protrusions, or self-locking geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to perform multiple functions: both fastening and locking. The same fastener component that secures the bone portions also incorporates locking features that prevent backing out, making the fastener a multi-functional element that eliminates the need for additional dedicated locking components.
3Ease of operation
If the stratum is made non-rigid to allow fastener passage, then the fastener can be inserted, but the stratum may not provide sufficient structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The stratum exhibits dynamic mechanical properties, being non-rigid or flexible during the insertion phase to allow easy passage of the fastener, and then becomes rigid or provides structural support once the fastener is in place and the bone portions are affixed. This dynamic behavior enables both easy insertion and adequate structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical parameters of the stratum, such as rigidity or stiffness, are optimized to allow fastener insertion while maintaining structural support. The stratum may have varying degrees of rigidity in different regions or directions, or its mechanical properties are selected to provide sufficient support after fastener installation while remaining compliant during insertion.
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 solution provides secure fixation and fusion of bone portions by preventing inadvertent backing out of fasteners, ensuring stable integration of spinal plates and vertebrae without the need for additional locking elements, thereby enhancing the durability and reliability of bone affixation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fastener configured to pass at least partially through the at least one hole and engage at least a portion of the bone, wherein the stratum is configured to deflect, allowing the fastener to pass at least partially through the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A system for affixing at least two portions of bone is provided. The system has a first end cap, a second end cap, and a linking member extending between the first end cap and the second end cap. The first end cap has at least one leg configured to connect the linking member to the first end cap and configured to retain the connection. The system provides an integral locking system mechanism that does not require an additional locking element.