Spinal Stabilization Flexible Member with Composite Elasticity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spinal fusion procedures result in rigid stabilization of motion segments, leading to loss of mobility and increased stress on adjacent segments, which can cause further disorders.

Innovation Solution

A flexible member comprising an inner elastomeric member and an outer fabric or elastomeric layer, with varying elastic properties, designed to provide stability while allowing limited motion and reducing stress on adjacent segments, is used to stabilize the spinal column.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid stabilization (fusion) is applied to stabilize a motion segment, then stability is improved, but mobility is lost and stress on adjacent segments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of motion segmentVSAvoidstress on adjacent segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from rigid stabilization to flexible stabilization with controlled elasticity. The flexible member has a specific elasticity range (0.01 to 10 times the stiffness of an intact motion segment) that allows it to provide stability while permitting limited motion, thereby reducing stress transfer to adjacent segments compared to rigid fusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member is constructed as a composite structure with an inner elastomeric member and an outer fabric layer. This composite design combines the elasticity of the inner member with the structural support of the outer layer, achieving both stability and controlled flexibility to reduce harmful stress on adjacent segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid stabilization (fusion) is applied to stabilize a motion segment, then stability is improved, but mobility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of motion segmentVSAvoidmobility of motion segment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the stability parameter from rigid (fusion) to flexible (controlled elasticity). The flexible member's elasticity is specifically designed to be 0.01 to 10 times the stiffness of an intact motion segment, providing stability while maintaining limited mobility, unlike rigid fusion which completely eliminates motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible shells by using an elastomeric inner member surrounded by a fabric outer layer. This flexible construction provides stabilization while allowing controlled motion, contrasting with rigid fusion devices that completely restrict movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If flexible member with inner elastomeric member and outer fabric layer is used, then mobility is maintained, but structural support may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility of motion segmentVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through composite materials by combining an inner elastomeric member (providing elasticity and mobility) with an outer fabric layer (providing structural strength and support). This composite structure achieves both mobility and adequate structural support, unlike single-material flexible devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member is segmented into functional layers: an inner elastomeric member for elasticity and an outer fabric layer for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function, maintaining mobility while providing necessary structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 flexible member provides stability and flexibility to the spinal column, reducing the demand on adjacent segments and preventing further disorders by allowing controlled motion and distributing stress effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The inner elastomeric member has a first elasticity to provide the flexible member with a desired flexibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The outer nitinol member has a second elasticity different than the first elasticity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8043339B2Flexible member for use in a spinal column and method for making

Publication Date: 2011.10.25 HIGHRIDGE MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to flexible members for stabilizing a spinal column and methods for making the flexible members. In one embodiment, a flexible member comprises an inner elastomeric member and an outer fabric layer situated securely around the inner elastomeric member. The inner elastomeric member has a first elasticity to provide the flexible member with a desired flexibility. In another embodiment, the flexible member includes an outer covering that defines an outer elastomeric member. The outer elastomeric member may be situated securely around the outer fabric layer with the inner elastomeric member, the outer fabric layer, and the outer elastomeric member having the common lengthwise axis and defining the body including the opposing first and second ends. The outer elastomeric member may have a second elasticity that is less than the first elasticity.