Intervertebral Implant Rotatable Insert Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral implants are complex in design and use, making it difficult to achieve precise final positioning between vertebral bodies, and they often lack efficient mechanisms for secure attachment and detachment during insertion.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral implant with a compact design featuring a rotatable insert held by spring force, an elongate opening extending through the sidewall, and a guide groove to prevent the insert from falling out, allowing for easy connection and loosening with a tool for precise positioning and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection member with receptacle is used to attach the implant to the insertion device, then the implant can be securely held during insertion, but the design becomes more complex and the attachment/detachment process becomes less simple
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted from a separate connection member with receptacle and integrated directly into the implant body through the elongate opening. This eliminates the need for a distinct connection member while maintaining secure attachment capability during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate opening serves multiple functions: it acts as both the connection interface for the insertion device and the rotational mechanism for positioning. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable attachment and positioning capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the insert extends through the sidewall to engage the tool, then connection and loosening becomes easier, but the insert may fall out of the hollow space during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is nested within the hollow space of the implant body, with only the engagement portion extending through the elongate opening. This nesting arrangement allows easy tool engagement while the spring force retains the insert within the confined hollow space, preventing it from falling out.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary force that continuously pushes the insert against the inner wall of the hollow space. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable retention of the insert while allowing controlled engagement and disengagement through the elongate opening.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elongate opening extends completely through the sidewall into the hollow space, then tool engagement is simplified, but the structural integrity of the sidewall is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate opening is positioned and dimensioned to provide only the minimum necessary access for tool engagement with the insert. This localized opening maintains adequate structural integrity of the sidewall while sufficient for the intended manufacturing and positioning operations.
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 simplifies the insertion procedure, ensures safe handling by preventing disconnection from the tool during rotation, and maximizes the use of the hollow interior space for fusion, while allowing for easy modification of existing implants.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable insert (10) that is held within the space by a spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8a~9d
AI summary
An intervertebral implant is provided having a top surface (2) configured to engage a first vertebral body, a bottom surface (3) configured to engage a second vertebral body and a side wall (4) connecting the top surface (5) and the bottom surface (3), a hollow space (5) defined by the side wall and an elongate opening (8) extending through the side wall (4) into the space, the elongate opening (8) having a length in a circumferential direction; the implant further comprising a rotatable insert (10, 10', 100) provided within the space wherein the insert comprises a spring portion (10a, 10b, 110a, 110b) that holds the insert within the space by frictional engagement with the side wall and wherein the insert comprises an engagement portion (13, 113) that is configured to engage with a tool (50) extending through the opening (8).