Interspinous Spacer With Off-Center Hinge and Arresting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interspinous process spacer implants for neighboring vertebrae either fail to adequately fix vertebrae positions or do not allow for sufficient distraction to relieve spinal nerve pressure, requiring additional fixation methods like screws.

Innovation Solution

An interspinous process spacer implant with a hinged design featuring an off-center hinge and an arresting mechanism that allows for adjustable angles between central parts, enabling distraction and fixation without the need for screws, by utilizing a notch and protrusion system and indentations for instrument-assisted positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional spacer implants are used to fix vertebrae positions, then fixation is achieved, but additional screw fixation is required which increases device complexity and surgical time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spacer function and the fixation function into a single integrated device. The first and second bodies with bearing surfaces provide spacing, while the off-center hinge with arresting mechanism provides fixation, eliminating the need for separate screw fixation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides distraction/spacing between vertebrae through its dual-body design, enables fixation through the off-center hinge mechanism, and allows for positional adjustment through the arresting mechanism. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If vertebrae are fixed in place, then stability is achieved, but distraction capability to relieve spinal nerve pressure is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertebrae stabilityVSAvoiddistraction adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The off-center hinge design creates a mechanical system where the first and second bodies can rotate relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment of the distraction distance. The arresting mechanism freezes this position once the desired distraction is achieved, providing both adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The surgeon can pre-determine the required distraction distance based on patient anatomy and nerve compression severity, then use the arresting mechanism to set the hinge at the appropriate angle during implantation, achieving the desired distraction before final fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If off-center hinge design is used for distraction, then distraction capability is achieved, but fixation reliability without screws is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistraction capabilityVSAvoidfixation without screws

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The off-center hinge creates an asymmetric mechanical configuration where the rotation axis is deliberately positioned away from the center of the bearing surfaces. This asymmetry generates a mechanical advantage that enhances the arresting mechanism's ability to maintain fixation reliability through geometric interlocking rather than screw fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing surfaces are designed with specific curved geometries that work in conjunction with the off-center hinge to distribute loads effectively and enhance the mechanical interlocking provided by the arresting mechanism, improving fixation reliability without screws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple arrest positions are provided, then distraction states are adjustable, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistraction state adjustmentVSAvoidarresting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arresting mechanism is segmented into discrete arrest positions (first, second, and third positions) rather than providing continuous adjustment. This segmentation simplifies the mechanism compared to a continuously adjustable system while still providing multiple distraction states to accommodate different clinical needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9707017B2Interspinous process spacer implant

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 CIUPIK LECHOSLAW FRANCISZEK

AI summary

An interspinous process spacer implant includes first and second bodies each equipped with upper and lower projections. The implant also includes a hinge connecting central parts of the bodies to one another. The hinge allows the bodies to rotate relative to one another in a forward direction. The implant further includes an arresting mechanism that acts between the central parts of the bodies to block reverse rotation of the bodies relative to one another.