Self-Locking Surgical Screw with Sleeve Stopper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical screws require separate locking mechanisms to prevent them from being pulled out of bone, increasing complexity and procedural time.

Innovation Solution

A surgical screw design featuring a screw body with a main thread and an offset body locking thread, paired with a sleeve having a thread and stopper, allowing self-locking without additional mechanisms by utilizing the sleeve stopper to prevent the body locking thread from being pulled out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate locking mechanism is used to prevent the bone screw from being pulled out, then the reliability of the fixation is improved, but the device complexity and the number of tools required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of bone screw pull-outVSAvoidseparate locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the bone screw itself by forming a locking thread on the screw body and a corresponding locking groove in the vertebral body. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining the reliability of preventing screw pull-out.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bone screw performs its own locking function through the self-locking mechanism formed by the locking thread and locking groove. The screw automatically engages with the vertebral body through this integrated locking structure without requiring external locking tools or separate locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate locking mechanism is used to secure the bone screw, then the stability of the fixation is improved, but the operator's labor and procedure time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed state of bone screwVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and fixation functions are combined into a single integrated bone screw structure. The locking thread and locking groove work together to provide both stability and fixation in one component, eliminating the need for separate locking procedures and reducing overall procedure time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bone screw automatically achieves stable fixation through its self-locking mechanism. The locking thread engages with the locking groove in the vertebral body, allowing the screw to secure itself without requiring additional locking operations or extending procedure time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a separate locking mechanism is used to prevent bone screw pull-out, then the reliability is improved, but the number of tools required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocked state maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of locking tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is integrated directly into the bone screw structure through the locking thread and locking groove. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate locking tools while maintaining reliable locked state maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bone screw maintains its locked state through its own integrated locking mechanism. The self-locking structure allows the screw to maintain fixation reliability without requiring external locking tools or additional device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables secure locking of the screw without additional tools, reducing the number of tools needed and operator labor, and simplifying the procedure by maintaining a locked state without a separate locking mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a sleeve stopper spaced apart downwards from the sleeve thread to support the body locking thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a sleeve having a sleeve thread formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof to be screwed with the body locking thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew threading: Screw

Implementation Method 3

a locking mechanism with enhanced frictional stabilization comprising a screw inserted into an internally threaded spherical elongating spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3366244B1Surgical screw and fusion device using same
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 L&K BIOMED CO LTD
  • EP3366244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3366244B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3366244B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a surgical screw capable of self-locking and a fusion device using the same. The screw includes: a screw body having a body main thread formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, a body locking thread spaced apart from the body main thread with an offset portion interposed therebetween, and a body driving groove formed in the upper portion thereof; and a sleeve having a sleeve thread formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof to be screwed with the body locking thread, and a sleeve stopper spaced downwards from the sleeve thread so as to support the body locking thread. The surgical screw may also be included in a fusion device in a different form by coupling with a plate or a cage.