Integrated Cervical Plate Screw Locks for Tool-Free Bone Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cervical plates face issues with bone screw dislodgement, loosening, and require additional tools and time for securing the locking mechanism, which can cause tissue irritation.
Innovation Solution
A cervical plate with integrated screw locks that are embedded within the plate, featuring compliant locking edges and stop tabs to secure bone screws without additional tools, using a compliant material that deforms to allow screw insertion and then secures the screw in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cervical plates with separate locking mechanisms are used, then bone screws can be secured, but additional tools and time are required for securing the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the cervical plate body by integrating screw locks directly into the plate structure. The screw locks are formed as integral parts of the plate, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing the time required for securing bone screws during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant material of the screw locks automatically deforms to allow bone screw insertion and then spontaneously returns to its original shape to secure the screw in place. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for additional tools or manual intervention to secure the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If traditional cervical plates with exposed locking mechanisms are used, then bone screws can be locked, but the exposed locking mechanism can cause irritation or injury to surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The screw locks are nested within recesses formed in the plate body, creating a flush or recessed surface. This nesting configuration ensures that the locking mechanism does not protrude from the plate surface, thereby eliminating the risk of irritation or injury to surrounding soft tissues while maintaining effective bone screw locking.
3Reliability
If additional tools are used to secure the locking mechanism, then bone screws can be firmly locked, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant material inherently provides the locking function through its elastic deformation and recovery properties. The screw lock material deforms to accommodate bone screw insertion and automatically returns to its original shape to secure the screw, eliminating the need for additional locking tools or complex securing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant material undergoes reversible parameter changes in its physical state (deformation and recovery) to achieve the locking function. This material-based mechanism replaces complex mechanical locking systems, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable bone screw fixation.
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 embedded screw locks prevent bone screw loosening, reduce tissue irritation, and facilitate quicker surgical procedures by eliminating the need for additional tools and steps.
Implementation Method 1
a screw lock body located in the screw lock receiving channel having a first screw locking edge connected by at least one compliant linking member to a second screw locking edge
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to medical hardware for use in spinal stabilization, spinal fusion, spinal alignment and similar spinal surgical procedures. Specifically, the invention relates to a cervical plate with an integrated screw lock mechanism.