Resilient Core Artificial Disc with Guided Mounting Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial disc replacements for spinal columns lack effective engagement with vertebrae and do not adequately address the need for a resilient core that can adapt to varying loads, leading to instability and potential failure over time.
Innovation Solution
An artificial disc apparatus featuring a resilient core with retaining members and mounting members that engage with vertebrae, allowing for guided positioning and load-dependent stiffness adjustment, utilizing a silicone-polycarbonate-urethane copolymer material for biocompatibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate separator insert is used between upper and lower supports, then the artificial disc can be assembled in parts, but the separator does not engage the vertebrae directly leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separator and mounting members into a single integrated artificial disc structure. The resilient core directly connects the upper and lower supports, eliminating the need for separate separator inserts while providing direct vertebral engagement through the mounting members, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient core serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the separator maintaining disc height and the mounting member engaging with vertebrae. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components while ensuring stable engagement, resolving the contradiction between component simplicity and stability.
2Strength
If the artificial disc uses a rigid structure, then it provides structural support, but it cannot adapt to varying loads leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient core that transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic load-adapting structure. The core's elasticity allows it to deform and adapt to varying physiological loads while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient core changes its mechanical parameters (stiffness, shape) in response to applied loads. Under compression, the core deforms to accommodate load variations, providing both structural support and load adaptation, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining strength and enabling adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the resilient core material is soft, then it adapts to loads, but it may deform excessively under high stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the resilient core with rigid mounting members and vertebral engagement features. The soft core provides load adaptation while the harder mounting structures prevent excessive deformation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and resistance to deformation.
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 apparatus provides stable and load-responsive engagement with vertebrae, enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of spinal disc replacement by adapting to different loads and reducing stress on the core, thereby improving the fatigue life of the implant.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface... adapting to different loads and reducing stress on the core
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes an artificial disc. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. A first mounting member is connectable with the first vertebra and the artificial disc to position the artificial disc between the first and second vertebrae. The first mounting member is engageable with the artificial disc after being connected to the first vertebra to guide movement of the artificial disc into position between the first and second vertebrae.