Multi-axial Spinal Cross-connectors with Pivot Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cross-connectors face challenges in easy installation, secure mounting, and precise positioning on spinal fixation rods, as well as issues with sizing and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-axial spinal cross-connectors with adjustable links and a central pivot system, allowing for X-axis rotation and translation, along with clamping structures for secure attachment and adjustable sizing, enabling easy assembly and multi-step locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current spinal cross-connectors are used, then they provide basic connection between spinal rods, but they are difficult to install and position precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-connector incorporates a multi-axial pivot mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of connection members in multiple directions (X-axis rotation and translation) during installation, enabling precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by making both installation and positioning easy while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-connector is divided into separate connection members that can be independently adjusted relative to each other through the pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned and adjusted independently, simplifying the overall installation process while achieving precise positioning through coordinated adjustment of the segmented parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current spinal cross-connectors are used, then they connect spinal rods, but they have difficulty with sizing and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axial pivot mechanism provides dynamic adjustability in both rotational and translational directions, allowing the cross-connector to adapt to various sizing requirements. The fixation structure then locks this adjusted position securely, providing both versatility in sizing and reliability in locking through a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-connector design incorporates a universal pivot mechanism that handles multiple functions: adjustment in multiple directions, sizing variation, and secure locking. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, providing both adaptability across different sizes and reliable locking through the same integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-position cross-connectors are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different spinal rod configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-connector uses a dynamic multi-axial pivot mechanism that allows adjustment in multiple directions (rotation and translation along X-axis), providing high adaptability to different spinal rod configurations. While this increases structural complexity compared to fixed designs, the mechanism remains relatively simple and compact, achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism introduces additional degrees of freedom by allowing movement in multiple dimensions (rotational and translational along the X-axis). This multi-dimensional adjustability significantly increases configuration adaptability while maintaining a compact structure, as the added complexity is concentrated in a single pivot mechanism rather than multiple separate adjustment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axial spinal cross-connector is configured for connection between spinal fixation devices such as spinal fixation rods. The cross-connector has first and second connection members that are joinable at a fixable pivot junction. The pivot junction allows the connection members to assume various positions relative to one another. A clamp is provided on each end of the first and second connection members whose open and closed states are controlled by fixation of a pivot structure which also fixates the positions of the first and second connection members relative to each other. The cross-connector provides single and/or multi-step locking of both end clamps at the pivot joint. The cross-connector also provides easy in situ sizing, positioning and adjustability.