Intervertebral Spacer Cam Mechanism for Precise Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices and methods for implanting intervertebral spacers between vertebral bodies are inadequate in efficiently maintaining spacing and promoting fusion, as they lack effective mechanisms for precise placement and rotation during spinal fixation procedures.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral spacer with a cam surface that rotates about a pivot point when engaged with a complementary cam lobe on an inserter tool, facilitated by a chamfered surface and threading for easy alignment and insertion, allowing for controlled pivoting and stabilization between vertebral bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical devices are used for implanting intervertebral spacers, then the procedure can be performed, but precise placement and rotation control are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual input and the spacer's rotation/positioning. The cam surface and cam lobe convert linear pushing motion into controlled rotational movement, providing both precision and ease of operation without requiring complex robotic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static positioning to dynamic controlled rotation. The cam mechanism allows the spacer to rotate dynamically during insertion, enabling precise angular adjustment while maintaining ease of operation through simple linear pushing motion on the inserter tool
2Measurement precision
If a cam mechanism is added to the inserter tool, then rotation control and placement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter tool is segmented into distinct functional components: the cam lobe for rotation control, the shaft for insertion, and the handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism utilizes curved cam surfaces and lobes to convert linear motion to rotational motion. This geometric approach provides precise rotation control through simple curved surfaces rather than complex mechanical linkages, maintaining ease of manufacture and operation
3Ease of operation
If the cam surface is made rotatable against a complementary cam surface, then frictional forces are reduced and insertion is facilitated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces are pre-formed with precise geometries during manufacturing to ensure proper engagement and rotation. This preliminary precision in manufacturing the cam surfaces and lobes eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during surgery, facilitating ease of operation while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision requirements
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
This solution enables precise placement and rotation of intervertebral spacers, reducing frictional forces and enhancing the fusion process by utilizing a cam mechanism that aids in the insertion and stabilization of spacers between vertebral bodies, thus improving the efficacy of spinal fixation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a cam surface that is rotatable against a complementary cam surface of an inserter tool such that a first force causes the intervertebral spacer to pivot, relative to the inserter tool, about a pivot point associated with the cam surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
An intervertebral spacer may include a superior surface configured to engage a superior vertebral body, an inferior surface configured to engage an inferior vertebral body, and a peripheral wall extending from the superior surface to the inferior surface. A proximal end of the peripheral wall may include with a cam surface that is rotatable against a complementary cam surface of an inserter tool such that a first force causes the intervertebral spacer to pivot, relative to the inserter tool, about a pivot point associated with the cam surface.