Surgical Plate Tab Locking Mechanism Prevents Screw Backing Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cervical plate screw locking mechanisms are ineffective, overly complicated, and can cause wear and binding issues, leading to loosening of the cervical plate and construct failure due to screw 'backing out' over time.
Innovation Solution
A surgical plate device with a screw locking mechanism featuring a tab structure biased by a spring member that translates along a slot and pin, covering the screw head to prevent backing out, maintaining a low profile and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cervical plate screw locking mechanisms are used, then screw backing out is prevented, but the device becomes overly complicated and loses the low profile nature
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete functional components: a tab structure for blocking the screw head, a slot for guiding movement, and a spring member for providing biasing force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member automatically biases the tab structure into the screw hole to prevent screw backing out, without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The mechanism self-regulates through the elastic recovery of the spring, providing continuous locking action with minimal structural complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional cervical plate screw locking mechanisms are used, then screw backing out is addressed, but wear and binding issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tab structure is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be removed or repositioned. This allows the locking function to be achieved without permanent contact between the locking mechanism and the screw head, reducing wear and binding issues over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure transitions from a static blocking element to a dynamic component that moves along the slot in response to screw insertion and loading. This dynamic behavior allows the tab to adapt to variations in screw position and reduce continuous contact stress, minimizing wear and binding.
3Reliability
If conventional cervical plate screw locking mechanisms are used, then screw backing out is prevented, but the cervical plate loosening is not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The tab structure is positioned to preemptively block the screw head before any backing out can occur. The spring member maintains continuous biasing force that counteracts any tendency for the screw to loosen, providing preliminary resistance to the backing out action before it can compromise plate stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with the tab structure and spring member in position to immediately engage and lock the screw upon insertion. This preliminary action ensures that the screw is locked before any physiological loading or movement can cause loosening, maintaining plate stability from the outset.
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 effectively secures screws in place, preventing loosening and wear, thus enhancing the stability and longevity of the cervical plate construct while maintaining a low profile and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The tab structure is biased to protrude into and obstruct a portion of the corresponding screw receiving hole by a spring member coupled to the tab structure
Implementation Method 2
the tab structure rebounds into the previously occupied portion of the screw hole
Implementation Method 3
When a screw is inserted into the screw hole, the head of the screw temporarily biases the tab structure out of the screw hole
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical plate device that incorporates a screw locking mechanism in each screw hole by which the surgical plate device is affixed to a bony segment. The screw locking mechanism includes a tab structure emanating from an interior portion (or either surface) of the surgical plate that is biased into a portion of the corresponding screw hole. When a screw is inserted into the screw hole, the head of the screw temporarily biases the tab structure out of the screw hole, until the head of the screw passes below the plane of the tab structure, at which point the tab structure rebounds into the previously occupied portion of the screw hole, thereby covering a portion of the head of the screw and preventing it from “backing out.”