Spinal Connector Assembly Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal connector devices have a large footprint, are complex to use, and lack sufficient adjustability to accommodate variations in the position and angular orientation of bone anchors relative to elongate rods, making them inefficient for spinal stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a connector body, a washer member, and a lock member that allows for rotational and translational movement, enabling the secure locking of implant members at a specific angular orientation through a threaded engagement mechanism, which compresses the implant members for stable engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current connectors and coupling devices are used to interconnect rods with bone anchors, then the spinal column can be stabilized, but the connectors have a large footprint and include numerous pieces that are complex to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector components into a single integrated connector body that includes both a bone anchor receiver portion and a rod receiver portion. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate pieces from numerous individual components to a unified structure, simplifying assembly while maintaining spinal stabilization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously receives and secures both the bone anchor and the rod. The single connector body performs multiple functions: anchoring to bone, receiving the rod, and providing stabilization, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized components
2Reliability
If current connectors are used to interconnect rods with bone anchors, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the connectors have a large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design nests the rod receiver portion within the connector body and positions the bone anchor receiver to overlap with the rod receiver in the lateral view. This nesting arrangement allows the rod to be received within the connector structure rather than requiring separate lateral clearance, thereby reducing the overall footprint while maintaining stabilization function
3Reliability
If current connectors are used to interconnect rods with bone anchors, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the connectors are not sufficiently adjustable to accommodate variations in position and angular orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism allowing the rod receiver portion to be rotated relative to the bone anchor receiver portion within a predetermined range. This rotational capability enables the connector to adapt to various angular orientations between the bone anchor and rod, providing versatility while maintaining secure stabilization
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 provides a compact, easily assembled, and adjustable spinal connector assembly that securely locks implant members at desired orientations, enhancing stability and ease of use while accommodating variations in bone anchor positions.
Implementation Method 1
The lock member is threadingly engaged with the threaded portion of the connector body such that threading engagement of the lock member along the threaded portion of the connector body exerts an axial force onto the second implant member positioned within the second passage of the connector body to thereby compress the second implant member within the channel in the washer member
Implementation Method 2
The second receiver portion of the connector body is positioned within the axial passage in the washer member and is movably coupled with the washer member to permit rotational movement of the washer member about the rotational axis and translational movement of the washer member along the rotational axis
Implementation Method 3
the axial force also compresses the first implant member into clamped engagement with the first receiver portion of the connector body to thereby lock the first implant member within the first passage of the connector body
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal connector assembly includes a connector body having a first receiver portion, a second receiver portion, and a threaded portion extending axially from the second receiver portion. A washer member coupled with the connector may rotate about the rotational axis and translate along the rotational axis. A lock member threadingly engages the threaded portion of the connector body to exert an axial force onto a second implant member to compress the second implant member within a channel in the washer member which in turn displaces the washer member into compressed engagement with a first implant member to thereby lock the washer member and the second implant member at a select angular orientation relative to the connector body, and the axial force also compresses the first implant member into clamped engagement within the first passage of the connector body.