Multi-Section Expandable Intervertebral Device With Two-Stage Lateral And Longitudinal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices struggle to accommodate varying distances between vertebrae, leading to inadequate support and wear on the vertebrae surfaces due to limited expansion capabilities and high operational resistance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section expandable device with a two-stage expansion mechanism, allowing lateral expansion to maximize width followed by longitudinal expansion to adjust height, utilizing a bolt system with a screw portion and head portion to push expansion modules and guide blocks for synchronized movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the intervertebral infusion device is expanded longitudinally to support the upper and lower vertebrae, then the height is increased, but the contact area between the device and vertebrae remains very small causing easy wear and depression
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion device is divided into multiple independent expansion sections (first expansion section, second expansion section, third expansion section) that can expand in different directions. Each section has its own expansion cavity and pushing mechanism, allowing the device to segment the expansion process into lateral width expansion followed by longitudinal height expansion, thereby increasing the contact area with vertebrae while achieving the required height support.
2Area of stationary object
If the intervertebral infusion device is expanded laterally to increase the width and contact area, then the wear and depression of vertebrae is improved, but the height remains immovable and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic two-stage expansion mechanism where the expansion cavities can transition from a first expansion state (lateral width expansion) to a second expansion state (longitudinal height expansion). The pushing members and expansion cavities work in sequence to first increase the width and contact area, then adjust the height according to the specific patient's needs, making the device adaptable to varying vertebral distances.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the intervertebral infusion device is expanded to maximum longitudinal and lateral dimensions, then the problem of vertebrae wear is solved, but the lateral expansion distance becomes limited or zero when small longitudinal expansion is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows independent adjustment of expansion parameters through the two-stage expansion mechanism. The first stage controls lateral width expansion distance, while the second stage controls longitudinal height expansion distance. This parameter separation enables the device to achieve maximum width expansion for wear prevention while independently adjusting the height expansion to match the specific distance requirements between vertebrae, enhancing adaptability to different patient conditions.
4Productivity
If the longitudinal expansion and lateral expansion are performed at the same time, then the expansion is completed in one action, but the operational resistance becomes relatively large causing poor smoothness and laboriousness
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion process is divided into periodic stages: first expansion period for lateral width expansion, and second expansion period for longitudinal height expansion. The expansion cavities are configured to expand sequentially rather than simultaneously, with the first expansion cavity completing its lateral expansion before the second expansion cavity begins its longitudinal expansion. This periodic action reduces the peak operational resistance at any given moment, improving smoothness and ease of operation while maintaining efficient overall expansion speed.
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 device provides a larger contact area for better support, reduces wear on vertebrae surfaces, and minimizes operational resistance, enabling effective intervertebral fusion across various body sizes and disease severities with improved smoothness and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The bolt has a screw portion and a head portion with a larger outer diameter. The screw portion is inserted through the through hole of the second push member and screwed in the screw hole of the first push member.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-section expandable device comprises an expansion module (10), a first push member (20) and a second push member (30) disposed at front and rear ends of the expansion module (10), and a bolt (40) screwedly connected to the first and second push members (20, 30). When the bolt (40) is tightened, the first push member (20) and the second push member (30) are pushed to approach each other so as to push the expansion module (10) to generate a first-stage expansion and a second-stage expansion. The first-stage expansion enables the expansion module (10) to expand laterally so as to adjust its width. The second-stage expansion is performed after the expansion module (10) is laterally expanded to have a maximum width, so that the expansion module (10) is longitudinally expanded to adjust its height. Therefore, no matter how much distance is required between the upper and lower vertebrae, the expansion module (10) can be expanded laterally to have a larger width. The multi-section expandable device not only has better support effect, but also avoids the wear of the contact surfaces of the vertebrae.