Self-aligning spinal attachment device pivoting mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The secure fixation of elongated members, such as rods and bars, to vertebral members is challenging due to the varied shape and dimensions of the spine, leading to difficulties in maintaining proper alignment and reducing stress redistribution.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning attachment device with a receiving section for the elongated member and an engagement section that pivots from a first orientation to a second, allowing secure engagement with a vertebral member, utilizing a clamping mechanism and offset fastener to apply pivoting force for enhanced attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional attachment device with fixed orientation is used to attach an elongated member to a vertebral member, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate varied shapes and dimensions of vertebral members, leading to poor alignment and fixation reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a pivotable body that can rotate between a first orientation during insertion and a second orientation during engagement. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to varied vertebral member shapes and dimensions, improving fixation reliability while maintaining relatively simple device structure through controlled motion rather than complex multi-component design
2Reliability
If an offset fastener is used to secure the elongated member, then the engagement with the support structure is enhanced, but the device requires more complex fastening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is positioned offset from the central axis of the elongated member, creating an asymmetric fastening mechanism. This asymmetric design generates a pivoting moment that enhances engagement security with the support structure, while the offset position itself serves as the source of the pivoting action, eliminating the need for additional complex mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid fixed-orientation attachment device is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the device cannot accommodate various spinal regions and member configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a pivotable body that transitions from a first orientation to a second orientation, providing adaptability to various spinal regions and member configurations. This dynamic capability is achieved through the pivot mechanism rather than through manufacturing different device variants, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application is directed to a device (10) for connecting an elongated member (100) within a patient. The device includes a body (11) with a receiving section (20) to receive the elongated member, and an engagement section (40) to engage a support structure, such as a vertebral member. The receiving section is sized to receive the elongated member in a first orientation (along C1). The process of securing the elongated member within the receiving section causes the device to pivot about the elongated member to a second orientation (along C2). This pivoting motion causes the engagement section to more securely attach to the support structure.