Spinal Implant Bending System with 3D Template
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant systems face challenges in efficiently bending spinal rods to precise configurations during surgical procedures for treating spinal disorders, which can affect the accuracy and effectiveness of the spinal construct.
Innovation Solution
The proposed spinal implant system includes a template that provides three-dimensional coordinates of a selected implant configuration, an implant bending device with work surfaces and an implant contact sensor, and a control device that communicates with a displacement module and a bending module to manipulate the spinal implant to the desired configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual bending methods are used for spinal rods, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical bending operations with an automated bending device that uses controlled mechanical forces applied through a bending arm. The system uses a template with three-dimensional coordinates that guide the bending process, substituting manual skill-based manipulation with a programmable automated system that achieves precise control over the bending forces and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a template that contains a three-dimensional representation of the desired spinal rod configuration. This template serves as a copy or model of the target geometry, allowing the automated bending device to replicate the precise shape by following the template's coordinates, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time measurement and control systems.
2Productivity
If automated bending devices are used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The template provides a pre-configured three-dimensional representation of the desired spinal rod shape, serving as a copy of the target geometry. This allows the automated bending device to achieve high productivity by simply following the template's predetermined coordinates, eliminating the need for complex real-time measurement, calculation, and control operations that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The template acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex bending process. Instead of requiring the operator to directly control complex bending parameters, the template mediates by providing simplified three-dimensional coordinate guidance that translates the desired shape into actionable bending instructions for the automated device.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time adjustment capabilities are added, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the bending arm and the template during the bending process. This feedback information is used to verify that the bending device is following the template's three-dimensional coordinates accurately, allowing for real-time adjustment of bending parameters to maintain precise configuration accuracy without requiring overly complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The template serves as a reference copy that encodes the precise three-dimensional coordinates of the desired spinal rod configuration. By comparing the actual bending process against this pre-programmed template, the system achieves real-time adjustment capabilities through simple coordinate matching rather than complex measurement and calculation systems.
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 system enables precise and efficient bending of spinal rods intra-operatively, improving the accuracy of spinal constructs and enhancing the surgical outcome by allowing real-time adjustments and compensation for rod spring back.
Implementation Method 1
A medium passing through the openings is detectable by the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant system includes a spinal implant template configured to provide three dimensional coordinates of a selected implant configuration. An implant bending device includes work surfaces engageable with a spinal implant to manipulate the spinal implant to the selected implant configuration and an implant contact sensor. Surgical instruments, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.