Modular Spondylodesis Cage With Snap-Fit Deformable Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cages for spondylodesis lack simplicity in height adjustment, are mechanically complex, and costly, with complex structures that complicate handling and integration with bone tissue.
Innovation Solution
A modular kit comprising biocompatible plates with deformable pins and latching elements that snap into place to form a mechanically stable, porous cage with adjustable height, allowing for easy assembly and integration with vertebral bodies without the need for complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex levers and bolt systems are used to adjust cage height, then the cage height can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple modular plates that can be independently selected and assembled. Each plate has a standardized structure with pins and latching elements, allowing the surgeon to build the desired cage height by combining different numbers and types of plates in a simple stacking sequence, eliminating complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between plates is designed to be dynamically simple during assembly through a snap-fit mechanism. The pins with latching elements allow the plates to be quickly connected by pressing them together, and the connection is automatically locked when the latching elements engage, providing dynamic simplicity without compromising stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms are used for height adjustment, then the cage height can be customized, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage system is segmented into standardized modular plates that can be manufactured using identical production processes. Each plate type is produced in standard sizes and configurations, allowing for efficient batch manufacturing and reducing per-unit costs. The modular nature enables customization through simple combination rather than complex custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized plates are designed with universal connection features (pins with latching elements) that work across all plate types. This universality allows the same manufacturing tooling and assembly procedures to produce various cage configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining customization capability.
3Strength
If solid cage structures are used, then mechanical stability is achieved, but bone tissue integration is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cage plates are designed with a porous structure featuring numerous holes distributed throughout the material. This porosity allows bone tissue to penetrate and grow into the cage structure, promoting biological integration and consolidation. The porous design maintains mechanical stability while creating pathways for bone ingrowth, eliminating the need for separate bone graft materials in some cases.
4Stability of the object's composition
If cages with closed structures are used, then mechanical stability is improved, but handling and insertion become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is constructed from multiple separate plates that are assembled together in the surgical field. This segmentation allows each plate to be easily handled and positioned individually, and the modular assembly enables the surgeon to configure the exact shape and size needed while maintaining stability through the standardized connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be dynamically simple during insertion and assembly. The pins with latching elements allow for quick connection by pressing plates together, and the connection is automatically locked when latching elements engage. This dynamic simplicity facilitates easy handling and insertion while ensuring stable construction.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, mechanically stable, and biocompatible cage that allows for easy adjustment and integration with bone tissue, promoting bony consolidation and vertebral fusion while avoiding compression of spinal structures.
Implementation Method 1
the pins are deformable elastically and are arranged sufficiently close to each other on the planar structure such that pressing the planar structures studded with pins of several plates onto each other causes the latching elements of different plates to snap into each other
Data Source
AI summary
A modular kit and/or method buildings a cage for spondylodesis, wherein the kit and/or method comprises at least two plates, wherein the plates comprise a biocompatible material and each comprise a planar structure and a plurality of pins projecting from the planar structure of the plates, wherein the pins each comprise at least one latching element, wherein the pins are elastically deformable and are arranged sufficiently close to each other on the planar structure such that pressing planar structures studded with pins of several plates onto each other causes the latching elements of different plates to snap into each other, wherein at least two of the at least two plates comprise a recess with a diameter of at least 5 mm.