Spinal Correction Actuators for Dynamic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal deformity correction systems often rigidly fix the spinal column, limiting growth and movement, and may not provide incremental or gross correction as needed for optimal alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A spinal correction system that includes a stabilizing member, correction anchors, tensioners, and connectors, allowing for lateral translational and derotational forces to be applied to the spinal column, enabling incremental, gross correction, and maintenance of desired curvature through a reciprocating adjuster mechanism that includes a piston unit and transfer unit, facilitating adjustment of the effective length of the connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation is used to stabilize the spinal column, then stability is improved, but growth and movement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid fixation with a dynamic adjustment system comprising a motorized reel, cable, and rod mechanism that enables continuous adjustment of spinal alignment. The system transitions from static rigid stabilization to dynamic adjustable correction, allowing the spinal column to maintain stability while accommodating growth and movement through programmable actuation sequences.
2Manufacturing precision
If incremental correction is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but treatment time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through a motorized reel system that can perform incremental cable releases at controlled intervals. The system maintains continuous corrective force on the spinal column while allowing programmable pause periods for bone healing, thereby achieving precise alignment over extended treatment durations without losing corrective momentum.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies periodic action through scheduled cable release cycles where the motorized reel incrementally releases cable in controlled amounts at predetermined intervals. This periodic adjustment mechanism allows the bone to heal between correction phases while progressively achieving the desired spinal alignment, balancing precision with treatment time management.
3Speed
If gross correction is applied, then correction speed is improved, but risk of instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using the motorized reel system to release cable in controlled incremental amounts rather than full-gross corrections. The system can selectively apply larger cable releases when stability permits, while using smaller incremental releases when approaching stability limits, thereby achieving efficient correction speed while monitoring and managing stability risks through programmable control sequences.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism.