Magnetic Repulsion Spinal Disc Prosthetic
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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 device failure and damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic spinal disc design featuring endplate components with magnetic portions that repel each other to prevent direct contact, reducing wear debris and providing shock absorption, while allowing articulation to mimic natural disc movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile parts are used to enable movement in disc replacement devices, then articulation is improved, but wear debris generation increases and device reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mobile parts with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the endplate components create magnetic repulsion forces that enable articulation without physical contact between moving surfaces, thereby eliminating wear debris generation while maintaining movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the endplate components, transmitting forces and enabling motion without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary magnetic interaction allows articulation while preventing the mechanical wear that would occur with traditional mobile parts
2Ease of operation
If mobile parts are used to facilitate motion, then range of motion is improved, but shock absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of motion facilitation and shock absorption into a single magnetic field-based system. The same magnetic repulsion forces that enable articulation also provide cushioning effects, eliminating the need for separate mobile parts while maintaining both range of motion and shock absorption capabilities
3Strength
If liquids or gels are used to produce motion, then shock absorption is improved, but range of motion is limited and containment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid or gel-based motion mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for containment structures while providing superior range of motion, as magnetic forces can act over distances without requiring physical confinement of the medium
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 magnetic endplate configuration effectively reduces wear debris, enhances shock absorption, and maintains spinal mobility, improving the functionality and longevity of the prosthetic disc.
Implementation Method 1
a first endplate component may be configured with a magnetic portion adapted to repel the magnetic portion of a second endplate component
Implementation Method 2
The repelling of the magnetic portions of the two endplate components may enable the first endplate component to articulate about the second endplate component
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.