Adjustable Spinal Cross-Connector Locking Without Coupling Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal cross-connectors require additional coupling devices that cause stress and bending, leading to instability and pain for patients with spinal disorders.
Innovation Solution
A spinal cross-connector with an elongated member and connectors featuring ball spring collars and spherical pockets, allowing adjustable locking mechanisms that secure spinal rods without additional steps above the spinal canal, providing stability and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cross-connectors use additional coupling devices for support, then the structural support is improved, but the device complexity and stress on the cross-connectors increase causing bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elongated member with the locking mechanism by integrating the ball spring collar and locking member directly into the cross-connector body. This eliminates the need for separate coupling devices while maintaining structural support, thereby reducing device complexity and preventing stress-induced bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-connector is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the elongated member for connection and the integrated locking mechanism for stabilization. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions without requiring additional coupling components, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining strength.
2Reliability
If conventional cross-connectors use additional coupling devices, then the locking capability is improved, but the implantation time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the cross-connector body, eliminating the need for separate coupling devices. The integrated ball spring collar and locking member can be engaged in a single step during implantation, significantly reducing implantation time while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball spring collar is pre-configured in the cross-connector body, ready for immediate engagement with the locking member. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid locking action during implantation without requiring additional steps or components, thus reducing implantation time while ensuring reliable locking.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional coupling devices are used for support, then the stability is improved, but the stress on spinal rods increases causing bending
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-connector integrates the elongated member and locking mechanism into a unified structure that directly stabilizes the spinal rods without introducing additional coupling devices. This merging eliminates the stress concentration points that would occur with multiple separate components, maintaining stability while reducing stress on the spinal rods.
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 enhances spinal rod stability and reduces patient discomfort by securely locking the spinal rods in place without extra coupling devices, facilitating faster implantation and maintaining desired spinal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The first end of the elongated member is surrounded by a first ball spring collar and the second end of the elongated member is surrounded by a second ball spring collar
Implementation Method 2
The first ball spring collar and the second ball spring collar are configured to rotate in the first spherical pocket and the second spherical pocket respectively to allow an axial adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal cross-connector comprises an elongated member, a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are configured to receive spinal rods and adaptable to directly attach with pedicle screws. The first connector includes a first collet head, a first clamp and a first locking means. The second connector includes a second collet head, a second clamp and a second locking mans. The first locking means is configured to tighten over a first collet head and engage with the first connector. Similarly, the second locking means is configured to tighten over a second collet head and engage with the second connector. The engagement of the first locking means with the first connector and the second locking means with the second connector locks the spinal cross-connector.