Intervertebral Fusion Device Segmented Core Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral fusion devices face challenges with complexity leading to difficulties in ease of assembly, installation, and long-term reliability, along with risks such as material wear and loss of spinal correction.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral fusion device comprising a superior component, an inferior component, and a core component with retention mechanisms that resist ejection, allowing for adjustable height and angle, and utilizing a cantilever spring for secure engagement, enabling gentle insertion and resistance to movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known intervertebral devices are designed with complexity to address differing extents of disc removal, anatomy and spinal deformity, then adaptability is improved, but ease of assembly, installation and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral device is divided into multiple independent components: a first component with a first retention mechanism, a second component with a second retention mechanism, and a core component. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for customization of retention mechanisms while maintaining ease of assembly. The segmented design enables different configurations to address varying spinal conditions without increasing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanisms are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the device to adapt to different spinal anatomies and deformities. The retention mechanisms can engage at different positions and orientations, providing versatility while maintaining a consistent assembly procedure. This dynamic capability enables the device to accommodate varying disc removal extents and spinal conditions without requiring complex custom assembly for each case.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known intervertebral devices are designed with complexity to address differing extents of disc removal, anatomy and spinal deformity, then adaptability is improved, but long-term reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into separate components with dedicated retention mechanisms, each part can be optimized for its specific function. The first and second components can be designed with specialized retention mechanisms that provide reliable engagement, while the core component maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows for quality control and reliability optimization in each component without compromising the overall adaptability of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanisms are designed to self-engage and self-lock, providing automatic retention of the core component between the first and second components. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional fastening operations and ensures consistent, reliable engagement every time the device is assembled, improving long-term reliability while maintaining adaptability through the modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known intervertebral devices are designed with complexity, then adaptability is improved, but risk to the patient deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with separate retention mechanisms reduces the risk of material wear and loss of spinal correction by distributing the mechanical loads across multiple engagement points. The first and second retention mechanisms work in conjunction to secure the core component, providing redundant protection against failure and reducing the likelihood of harmful effects on the patient while maintaining the device's adaptability to different spinal conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a core component is inserted between superior and inferior components, then height and angle adjustment is enabled, but ejection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core component is segmented from the first and second components, allowing independent design and optimization of each part. The retention mechanisms can be specifically designed to counteract ejection forces while maintaining the height and angle adjustment capabilities. This segmentation enables the core component to provide adjustment functionality without compromising the ejection resistance provided by the dedicated retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanisms are designed to apply preliminary counteracting forces to prevent ejection of the core component. The first and second retention mechanisms engage before any ejection force can act on the core component, creating a preemptive barrier that maintains the adjusted height and angle while preventing dislodgement. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the adjustment functionality is maintained without the risk of ejection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intervertebral fusion device (10) comprising a superior component (20), an inferior component (40), and a core component (80) inserted there between. The intervertebral fusion device further comprises first and second retention mechanisms which resist ejection of the core component from between the superior and inferior components. Each of the first and second retention mechanisms comprises first and second portions. One of the first and second portions is unitary with one of the superior and inferior components. The other of the first and second portions is unitary with the core component. The first and second portions each comprise an inter-engaging formation which are urged in an opposite direction. The first inter-engaging formation is urged to inter-engage with the second inter-engaging formation upon insertion of the core component between the superior and inferior components.