Spinal Flexible Member with Grooves for Variable Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic stabilization systems for the spine lack flexible members with variable flexibility, which limits their ability to accommodate specific bending movements and are often costly due to the use of multi-material configurations or uniform cylindrical shapes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible member with a body having grooves that provide variable flexibility, allowing for differential bending capabilities by varying the size, depth, and placement of grooves along its length, enabling tailored flexibility for specific spinal locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flexible members are made with uniform cylindrical shape using single material, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but flexibility variability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member incorporates grooves at specific locations along its length to create localized variations in flexibility. The grooves are positioned to allow greater bending at intermediate portions while maintaining rigidity at end portions, enabling the single uniform member to provide differential flexibility without requiring multiple materials or complex manufacturing processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible members are made with multi-material configurations to achieve variable flexibility, then flexibility variability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves variable flexibility by changing the geometric parameters of the flexible member through the addition of grooves, rather than changing the material composition. This allows a single uniform material to be used while still providing different flexibility characteristics at different locations, avoiding the high costs associated with multi-material manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible members are made with nonuniform configurations to provide variable flexibility, then adaptability for specific bending movements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is segmented into regions of different flexibility by introducing grooves at specific locations. The grooves divide the uniform cylindrical body into sections with varying bending characteristics, allowing the member to adapt to specific spinal curvature requirements while maintaining an overall simple cylindrical form that does not significantly increase manufacturing or implantation complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~4A
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a spine stabilization system comprising: a first anchor member and a second anchor member; a flexible member including a body having a lengthwise axis, an outer surface, opposing first and second ends with an intermediate portion extending therebetween, and an aperture extending from the first end to the second end; and a flexible connecting member passing through the aperture of the body of the flexible member, the connecting member being secured to the first anchor member and the second anchor member such that the flexible member is positioned between the first anchor member and the second anchor member; wherein the outer surface of the body of the flexible member includes one or more grooves therein; and wherein the one or more grooves provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility, and in that the one or more grooves comprise a first groove situated generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the body.