Multi-Axial Bone Anchor With Friction Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-axial bone anchors used in orthopedic surgical procedures can be difficult for surgeons to handle due to relative movement between parts, leading to increased time and instrument requirements for proper positioning.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axial orthopedic assembly with a receiver member, bone anchor, and retaining member, where a high-friction insert material is used to resist unintended movement between parts, allowing for controlled multi-axial movement and secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-axial bone anchors with movable parts are used to enable angular adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to unintended movement between parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular adjustment capabilityVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A friction member (insert material) is introduced as an intermediary between the bone anchor and receiver member to control relative movement. This intermediary provides controlled friction that allows intentional angular adjustment while preventing unintended movement during handling, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-axial bone anchors with movable parts are used to enable angular adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The friction member's coefficient of friction is carefully selected to provide the desired balance between allowing controlled movement for angular adjustment and preventing unintended movement. By optimizing this physical parameter, the invention achieves adaptability without adding excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If friction member with high coefficient of friction is used to resist movement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased resistance to adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidadjustment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coefficient of friction of the insert material is optimized to provide sufficient friction for position stability while maintaining ease of adjustment. Through parameter optimization, the system achieves reliable positioning without excessive resistance to intentional angular adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 assembly allows for easier handling and positioning of bone anchors by resisting unwanted movement, reducing the need for additional instruments and time, while enabling precise angular adjustment during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a high-friction insert material is used to resist unintended movement between parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7867258B2Multi-axial bone attachment member
Publication Date: 2011.01.11 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC
  • US7867258B2 patent drawing
  • US7867258B2 patent drawing
  • US7867258B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Orthopedic constructs having parts that are movable with respect to each other and one or more friction members to limit unintended movement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-axial bone anchor having a receiver member and a screw-type anchor is provided. The receiver member includes one or more internal apertures in which a friction member is placed, and a portion of the anchor contacts or is loosely held by the friction member(s).