Modular Spinal Implant Insertion Device for Easy Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instruments for inserting spinal implants are difficult to disassemble for cleaning, which complicates their reuse and maintenance, leading to potential damage and inefficiency in deployment.
Innovation Solution
A modular insertion device with a distal anchor, proximal anchor, and actuation plunger that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, featuring a spike cap drive and drive nut for secure deployment of the implant, enabling efficient cleaning and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the insertion instrument has several moving parts to effectively deploy the implant, then the deployment functionality is improved, but the ease of cleaning and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion instrument is divided into multiple separable components including a handle, shaft, deployment mechanism, and implant holder. Each component can be independently removed and cleaned, solving the contradiction by allowing complex deployment functionality through multiple parts while maintaining ease of cleaning through their separability. The modular design enables complete disassembly for thorough cleaning of all surfaces and crevices.
2Productivity
If the insertion instrument is reused many times to reduce cost, then the cost efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage and loss of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the instrument into robust, standardized components with secure connection mechanisms (such as bayonet mounts or threaded connections), the design enables repeated assembly and disassembly without component loss. Each segment can be individually inspected, repaired, or replaced, maintaining reliability over multiple uses while achieving cost efficiency through reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates protective features such as protective coatings on critical surfaces, reinforced connection points, and wear-resistant materials in high-stress areas. These preemptive design elements cushion against damage during repeated use, cleaning, and assembly/disassembly cycles, thereby maintaining component integrity and reliability over time.
3Ease of repair
If the instrument is fully disassembled for cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into a logical number of components that can be quickly separated and reconnected. The segmentation is optimized so that each component can be independently cleaned without requiring complete disassembly of the entire system, reducing assembly time while maintaining cleaning effectiveness for all critical surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument design includes pre-configured connection interfaces and alignment features that enable rapid reassembly after cleaning. Quick-connect mechanisms and visual alignment indicators allow staff to efficiently put the instrument back together, minimizing the time penalty associated with full disassembly for cleaning purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.