Self-locking Bone Screw Receiver with Deflecting Nubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone screw locking systems require separate parts that add cost and complexity to prevent screw loosening, which is not efficiently addressed by current designs.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking feature is integrated into the receiver opening with nubs or projections that deflect the screw head, allowing it to pass through a recessed groove, providing a secure locking mechanism without additional parts, suitable for various screw head shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking features are added to prevent screw loosening, then screw stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is merged with the receiver opening structure itself. The nubs or projections are formed directly on the inner wall of the receiver opening, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This integration maintains screw stability while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver opening structure provides its own locking function through the nubs or projections that engage with the screw head. The structure serves dual purposes: receiving the screw head and preventing backout, without requiring additional self-service components.
2Reliability
If separate locking features are added to prevent screw loosening, then screw stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is merged with the receiver opening structure itself. The nubs or projections are formed directly on the inner wall of the receiver opening, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This integration maintains screw stability while reducing device complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If the receiver opening wall diameter is closely sized to the screw head, then locking effectiveness is improved, but insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed groove is pre-formed in the receiver opening wall at the location where the screw head will make contact with the nubs or projections. This preliminary structural preparation allows the screw head to be deflected into the groove during insertion, reducing insertion resistance while ensuring proper locking engagement.
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 ensures the screw is securely locked in place with minimal resistance felt by the surgeon, preventing backout without additional tools or components, maintaining screw stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the screw head contacts the nubs or projections and the screw is deflected slightly in a direction opposite the nubs or projections allowing the screw head to pass by the nubs or projections locking it from backing out
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a unique way to provide a self-locking screw opening that has no separate parts. The self-locking feature (20) is formed in the wall (11) of the screw receiver opening (12) and automatically locks a screw (100) from backing out. During insertion of the screw (100) into bone, the screw head (110) passes one or more, preferably two nubs (20) or one or more projections (20) formed into the surface wall (11) of the receiver opening (12), and as the screw (100) is threaded into the bone, the screw head (110) contacts the nubs (20) or projection (20) and the screw (100) is deflected slightly in a direction opposite the nubs (20) or projection (20) allowing the screw head (110) to pass by the nubs (20) or projection (20) locking the screw (100) from backing out.