Spinal Connector Ball Enclosure Polyaxial Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal devices lack the ability to effectively couple spinal connecting members of various sizes and orientations, limiting their versatility in spinal stabilization and fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal connector that includes multiple seats with varying orientations and locking elements, allowing for side-by-side, end-to-end, or combined configurations of connecting members, with polyaxial support through ball enclosures and locking mechanisms to accommodate different sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing spinal devices use fixed coupling structures, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate connecting members of various sizes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ball enclosure with a spherical lower surface that allows the connecting member to be inserted at various angles and orientations. The ball enclosure rotates within the seat, enabling dynamic adjustment of the connecting member's orientation while maintaining a secure connection. This dynamic mechanism provides adaptability for different sizes and orientations without requiring multiple fixed coupling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal connector is designed with multiple seats (first seat, second seat, third seat) that can each accommodate different connecting members. The ball enclosure mechanism can be used in combination with V-shaped lower surfaces in different configurations, allowing the same device to handle various connecting member sizes and orientations universally. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polyaxial support is provided through ball enclosures, then the adaptability for various orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: locking elements with threadable engagement features that interface with the ball enclosure and seats. Each locking element can independently secure a connecting member in its desired orientation. This segmentation allows for simple, modular operation where each component performs a specific function, reducing overall system complexity despite the polyaxial capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball enclosure acts as an intermediary between the connecting member and the seat. It receives the connecting member in a polyaxial manner, allowing orientation adjustment, and then transmits the locking force from the locking element to secure the connection. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall design by providing a single point of rotation and locking rather than requiring complex multi-axis adjustment mechanisms.
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 and adjustable connections of spinal connecting members, providing polyaxial support and accommodating various spatial relationships and sizes, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of spinal stabilization and fusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a ball enclosure rotatably received in the second opening of the second seat. The ball enclosure defines a bore along the second longitudinal axis and articulates with the second opening for allowing change of orientation of the second connecting member relative to the first connecting member
Implementation Method 2
a first locking element threadably engageable to the first and second arms of the first seat for securing the first connecting member to the first seat, and a second locking element threadably received in the circular upper opening of the second seat for securing the second connecting member to the second seat
Implementation Method 3
The first seat includes a substantially V-shaped lower surface defining a first longitudinal opening along a first longitudinal axis for receiving a first spinal connecting member, and an inner upper surface defined by first and second opposing arms. The second seat includes a substantially spherical lower surface rotatably receiving a ball enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal connector includes a first seat having a first opening for coupling to a first spinal connecting member along a first longitudinal axis and a second seat having a second opening for coupling to a second spinal connecting member along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is substantially coaxial to the first longitudinal axis for connecting the first and second connecting members end to end. The spinal connector also includes a ball enclosure rotatably received in the second opening of the second seat. The ball enclosure defines a bore along the second longitudinal axis and articulates with the second opening for allowing change of orientation of the second connecting member relative to the first connecting member.