Interlocking Spinal Disc Prosthetic With Magnetic Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic spinal disc replacement devices face issues such as wear debris generation, inadequate shock absorption, and limited mobility due to their design, which can lead to improper function and damage to surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic spinal disc design featuring interlocking u-shaped elements and magnetic components that prevent wear debris and provide shock absorption by replicating the natural shock absorption of a healthy spinal disc, allowing for multiplanar motion and load carrying ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile parts are used to enable movement in disc replacement devices, then mobility is improved, but wear debris generation increases and device reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two endplate components that can move independently relative to each other, with each component having articulating surfaces that facilitate multiplanar motion while distributing wear across separate surfaces rather than concentrated mobile parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiplanar motion capability by designing articulating surfaces that allow movement in multiple dimensions (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) simultaneously, transitioning from single-axis to multi-axis articulation
2Ease of operation
If mobile parts are used to enable movement, then mobility is improved, but harmful factors increase due to wear debris damaging surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a low-friction coating to the articulating surfaces that converts the harmful effect of friction and wear into a beneficial low-friction interface, reducing wear debris generation while maintaining mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates shock-absorbing features in the endplate components that cushion axial loads before they reach the articulating surfaces, preventing excessive wear and debris generation during high-impact events
3Stress or pressure
If liquids or gels are used to facilitate motion, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity increases due to containment requirements and motion range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid/gel-based shock absorption system with a solid mechanical shock-absorbing structure integrated into the endplate components, eliminating containment requirements while maintaining shock absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The endplate components utilize composite material structures that combine rigid load-bearing regions with more compliant shock-absorbing regions, achieving both structural integrity and shock absorption without liquids or gels
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 design effectively reduces wear debris, enhances shock absorption, and maintains the natural mobility of a healthy spinal disc, preventing damage to adjacent tissues and ensuring proper function.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising a magnetic portion. The opposing magnetic portions create a degree of separation between the two endplate components
Implementation Method 2
The opposing magnetic portions create a degree of separation between the two endplate components which may prevent or reduce wear debris. The magnetic portions may also provide shock absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged or degenerated disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that have either or both interlocking and magnetic components.