Hinge Mounting System for Spinal Osteosynthesis Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge mounting systems for spinal osteosynthesis devices are complex and difficult to assemble due to small, independent pieces, making it challenging to quickly and simply place a linking rod inside a connector or pedicle screw head.

Innovation Solution

A hinge mounting system with a U-shaped link connector and clamping element, featuring a leaf spring-loaded lock and offset axes of rotation, allows for easy assembly and immobilization of the linking rod in translation and rotation, compatible with various osseous anchoring means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple small independent pieces are used for mounting, then the immobilization precision of the linking rod is improved, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple small independent pieces (clamping element, lock, leaf spring, notches) into an integrated hinge mounting system where these components work together as a unified assembly mechanism. The clamping element with integrated notches and the lock with leaf spring form a cohesive unit that simplifies the assembly process while maintaining precise immobilization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple small independent pieces are assembled, then the stability of fixation is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mounting system is pre-configured with the clamping element, notches, lock, and leaf spring arranged in their functional positions before insertion. The offset axes of rotation are pre-positioned to enable automatic alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly steps during surgery while ensuring stable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the linking rod is securely immobilized, then the reliability of the spinal osteosynthesis device is improved, but the ease of operation during assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mounting system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the linking rod and the connector/pedicle screw head. It provides a simplified interface with offset axes that guide the assembly process, allowing surgeons to easily insert and secure the linking rod while maintaining reliable immobilization through the integrated clamping and locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates quick and secure assembly of the linking rod, reducing assembly complexity and ensuring stable fixation in translation and rotation, adaptable to different osseous anchoring elements like screws and hooks.

Implementation Method 1

a lock that has been elastically loaded by a leaf spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8317835B2Hinge mounting system for a spinal osteosynthesis device
Publication Date: 2012.11.27 CLARIANCE SAS
  • US8317835B2 patent drawing
  • US8317835B2 patent drawing
  • US8317835B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The hinge mounting system according to the present invention is constituted of a link connector (10) comprising, on either side of a U-shaped opening (8), a first and a second vertical branch (11, 12) respectively cooperating through axes of rotation (13, 14) with a clamping element (15) enabling the linking rod (4) to be immobilized in translation and in rotation after it has been pivoted and locked above the opening (8) by a lock (16) elastically loaded by a leaf spring (29).