Pedicle Screw Taper Lock for Conical Range of Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal alignment systems, particularly posterior pedicle screw constructs, face limitations in range of motion and are complex, unreliable, and difficult to manipulate, which restricts optimal alignment with vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A pedicle screw construct featuring a coupling with a collet and a pedicle screw having a shank, head, and neck, allowing for a conical range of motion between 70° and 95°, facilitated by beveled lips on the coupling and collet, and a U-shaped saddle configuration for accommodating rods of varying diameters, enabling smooth angular displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current posterior pedicle screw systems are used, then spinal alignment can be achieved, but the range of motion is limited and the systems are complex and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion for structural support, a collet for securing the rod, and a saddle for rod accommodation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates a tapered bore with a range of motion of at least 70 degrees, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pedicle screw angle relative to the coupling body. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various spinal alignment requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pedicle screw head diameter is increased for stability, then interference with the collet and coupling increases, reducing range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device provides angular adjustment capability in a different dimensional space (rotational/conical movement) rather than linear displacement. This allows the pedicle screw to achieve proper alignment through angular orientation rather than requiring larger head dimensions for positional adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of angular orientation through the tapered bore mechanism, allowing the pedicle screw to be positioned at various angles (at least 70 degrees range) without changing the physical dimensions of the screw head, thus avoiding interference with the collet and coupling structures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pedicle screw construct includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, and a collet. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly. The collet and the coupling each have a saddle that is adapted and configured for receiving a rod member.