Spinal Osteosynthesis System With Dual-Force Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal osteosynthesis systems face challenges in controlled snapping and retention of vertebral rods, leading to precarious detachment and difficulty in implementing different surgical procedures, with existing solutions relying on elasticity for snap-fastening which is difficult to control and prone to untimely separation.
Innovation Solution
A spinal osteosynthesis system with a locking member that can move between a release and retention position, utilizing elastic return means for initial clamping and pressure means for increased clamping force, allowing for controlled snapping and secure retention of the vertebral rod, enabling both surgical procedures with reduced risk of untimely detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If snap-fastening is provided by the elasticity of the connecting connector body, then the connector can be easily snapped onto the vertebral rod, but the retention becomes precarious and untimely detachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting connector is divided into two functional parts: a body for receiving the vertebral anchoring member and a separate locking member for retaining the vertebral rod. This segmentation allows the body to provide easy snap-fastening while the locking member provides reliable retention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and retention stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be movable relative to the body, transitioning between a release position (allowing easy insertion) and a locked position (providing secure retention). This dynamic mechanism enables the connector to switch between ease of operation and reliable retention as needed during surgery.
2Ease of operation
If high elasticity is used for snap-fastening, then the connector can be snapped without too much effort, but the retention of the vertebral rod becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector separates the snap-fastening function (body) from the retention function (locking member). The body uses high elasticity for easy snapping, while the locking member provides additional retention strength, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and retention strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines two mechanisms: elastic snap-fastening of the body onto the vertebral rod, and mechanical locking by the locking member. This combination merges the advantages of both high elasticity (easy snapping) and mechanical locking (strong retention), resolving the contradiction between effort required and retention strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector body itself provides snap-fastening, then the connector can be easily assembled, but controlled retention and prevention of untimely detachment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a body for assembly and a locking member for controlled retention. This segmentation allows simple assembly of the body while adding a dedicated locking mechanism for reliable, controlled retention, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and controlled retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the body and the vertebral rod, providing controlled retention. It mediates between the easy assembly of the body and the need for reliable retention, allowing the connector to be easily assembled while ensuring controlled retention through the locking member.
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 system provides controlled snapping and secure retention of the vertebral rod, allowing for easy orientation and sliding/rotation during surgery while preventing untimely separation, thus enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
elastic return means which press the locking member into abutment against the vertebral rod contained in the receiving housing according to a first predetermined clamping force
Implementation Method 2
the pressure means make it possible to selectively urge the locking member towards a locking position in which the locking member is pressed bearing against the vertebral rod contained in the receiving housing according to a second clamping force greater than the first predetermined clamping force
Data Source
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AI summary
Spinal osteosynthesis system (1) comprising a link connector (4) comprising a locking member that is moveable relative to the body (6) of the link connector (4) between a retaining position wherein the locking member retains a spinal rod (2) in a receiving space (9), and a release position wherein the locking member allows the spinal rod (2) to be extracted from the receiving space (9). In the retaining position, resilient return means press the locking member against the spinal rod (2) in the receiving space (9) according to a first predetermined clamping force. The pressing means (5) make it possible to prevent the locking member from moving towards its release position and bias the locking member towards a locking position wherein the locking member is pressed against the spinal rod (2) in the receiving space (9) according to a second clamping force which is greater than the first predetermined clamping force.