Spinal Fusion Device with Dynamic Expansion and Hollow Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spine disorders often result in degenerated spinal discs, and existing fusion devices are susceptible to structural failure under external forces, with inadequate facilitation of bone graft material delivery for effective bone growth.
Innovation Solution
A fusion device with an actuator, receiver, and sliding plates that transition from a non-expanded to an expanded state, allowing for material injection through a hollow shaft, and a robust locking mechanism using a set fastener to ensure structural reliability and facilitate bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fusion device is installed in a compact non-expanded state, then ease of insertion is improved, but the structural reliability under external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device employs a dynamic expansion mechanism where the actuator body transitions from a compressed non-expanded state during insertion to an expanded state after placement. The actuator includes movable plates that can slide relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the device to adapt its structural configuration based on the operational phase, thereby achieving both ease of insertion and structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion device utilizes a nested structure where the receiver is positioned within the actuator body, and the movable plates are housed within the actuator structure. This nesting allows the device to maintain a compact profile during insertion while providing the capability for expansion to achieve the desired structural reliability in the deployed state.
2Reliability
If the fusion device is designed with a robust locking mechanism, then structural reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the receiver is threaded to engage with the actuator body, automatically locking the expanded state without requiring additional fastening components. The movable plates are retained by the actuator structure through integrated retention features, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the fusion device includes a hollow shaft for material delivery, then facilitation of bone graft material delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator body serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural framework for expansion, houses the receiver for locking, and incorporates the hollow shaft for material delivery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate material delivery components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability for effective bone graft material delivery through the hollow shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A fusion device includes an actuator including a shaft, a receiver disposed posterior to the actuator and configured to be coupled to the shaft of the actuator, and a first plate and a second plate each slidably coupled to the actuator. The first and second plates are configured to move away from each other when the fusion device transitions from a first state to a second state.