Expandable Spinal Implant Rack and Spur Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant technologies for treating musculoskeletal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis, often fail to provide sufficient mechanical support and stability, leading to incomplete relief of symptoms like pain and mobility loss.
Innovation Solution
An expandable interbody spinal implant system featuring a chassis, wedge-shaped rack, and dual spurs, which allows for increased expansion and stabilization by rotating the rack and spurs relative to the chassis, providing enhanced mechanical support between vertebrae through a minimally invasive procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal implants are used for fusion and fixation, then surgical treatment can be performed, but the mechanical support and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates movable members that can pivot relative to the chassis, allowing the implant to dynamically adjust and expand to different configurations. This dynamic capability enables the implant to provide enhanced mechanical support and stability while maintaining adaptability to different spinal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into multiple segments including a chassis, multiple members, spurs, and a rack system. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions while working together to provide overall structural support and stability to the spine.
2Length of moving object
If the implant height is increased to provide greater mechanical support, then stability between vertebrae improves, but the complexity of the expansion mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant uses a rack and spur gear mechanism to convert rotational motion into linear expansion. This mechanical substitution allows for controlled height adjustment through a relatively simple actuation system, where rotation of the rack translates into vertical expansion of the implant members.
Solution Approach 2:
The members are configured to nest within each other or fold against the chassis when in the retracted position. This nesting capability allows the implant to achieve significant height expansion while maintaining a compact form factor when not in use, reducing the overall complexity of the expansion mechanism.
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 effectively increases the height of the implant, providing greater mechanical support and stability between vertebrae, thereby alleviating pain and improving mobility in patients with spinal disorders.
Implementation Method 1
A rack is positioned between the extensions. The rack includes opposite top and bottom surfaces. A first spur is coupled to the second end of the first member such that the first spur engages the top surface. A second spur is coupled to the second end of the second member such that the second spur engages the bottom surface.
Implementation Method 2
The first end of the first member is pivotably coupled to the first end of the chassis. The first end of the second member is pivotably coupled to the first end of the chassis.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant includes a chassis extending along a first axis and including a first thread. A first member extends along a second axis and is pivotably coupled to the chassis. A second member extends along a third axis between and is pivotably coupled to the chassis. A rack includes opposite top and bottom surfaces. A first spur is coupled to the first member such that the first spur engages the top surface. A second spur is coupled to the second member such that the second spur engages the bottom surface. An actuator includes second thread that engages the first thread such that rotation of the actuator move the implant between a first orientation in which the second and third axes extend parallel to the first axis and a second orientation in which the second and third axes extends at an acute angle relative to the first axis.