Intervertebral Fusion Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral devices face challenges such as complexity leading to compromised assembly, installation, and disassembly, increased risk of material wear, and potential trauma to the patient, along with issues of spinal correction and long-term reliability.
Innovation Solution
The intervertebral fusion device comprises three components - a superior component, an inferior component, and a core component, with specific formations and profiles that allow for guided insertion and secure locking, enabling ease of assembly, reduced impaction loads, and stable fixation, while accommodating varying spinal dimensions and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known intervertebral devices are designed with complex structures to address varying spinal dimensions and angles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases leading to compromised ease of assembly, installation, and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral device is divided into three separate components: a superior component, an inferior component, and a core component. These components can be assembled together to create the final device, allowing for easier handling and installation while maintaining adaptability to various spinal configurations through selective component combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The core component is designed to be inserted within the superior and inferior components, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach allows the core component to be protected during handling and installation, while the outer components provide structural support and adaptability features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known intervertebral devices are designed with complex structures to provide adjustment of height and functional spine unit angle, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to compromised ease of assembly and installation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into separate superior, inferior, and core components, each component can be optimized for its specific function while the overall assembly process becomes more manageable. The components can be prepared separately and then assembled in a controlled manner, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The superior and inferior components can be prepared and positioned in advance, with the core component designed for subsequent insertion. This preliminary preparation of components allows for more systematic assembly and installation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known intervertebral devices are designed with complex structures, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of material wear and loss of spinal correction
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the device into separate components reduces the overall complexity of each individual part, which can lead to improved material distribution and reduced stress concentrations. This segmentation may enhance long-term reliability by preventing premature wear and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of the core component within the superior and inferior components provides structural stability and protects the core component from external forces that could cause wear or deformation, thereby improving reliability.
4Productivity
If known intervertebral devices are installed with high impaction loads, then installation is achieved, but harmful factors increase due to trauma to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the device to be assembled in parts, enabling a gentler installation process where components can be positioned separately rather than forcing a single complex structure into place, thereby reducing impaction loads and patient trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
By preparing and positioning the superior and inferior components in advance, the installation process can proceed more smoothly with reduced need for high impact forces, as the components are already in their correct positions and orientations.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intervertebral fusion device (10) comprising a superior component (20), an inferior component (40) receivable in an intervertebral space between first and second vertebrae, with the core component (80) insertable between the superior and inferior components to determine a separation between the superior and inferior components. The superior, inferior components and core components comprise respective formations and profiles. The formations (54, 68) present a barrier to separation of the core from one of the inferior and superior components during insertion of the core component. The profiles guide the core component during insertion of the core component while presenting no barrier to separation from each other during its insertion. The components comprise further formations (39, 76) which present a barrier to separation of the components from each other once the core has been fully inserted between the inferior and superior components.