Spinal Implant Lock Mechanism for Secure Rod Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant delivery systems face challenges in securely engaging and disengaging implants during surgical procedures, particularly in maintaining stability and preventing unintentional disengagement under normal use.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a lock mechanism with spring-loaded buttons and a sliding sleeve that automatically engages or disengages with slots in the implant support, ensuring secure attachment and preventing unintentional disengagement, along with a quick release mechanism for easy manipulation of the reducer and spinal rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple engagement mechanism is used for the reducer and spinal rod, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unintentional disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism features spring-loaded buttons that automatically engage with slots on the spinal rod when the reducer is inserted, and automatically disengage when the rod is removed. The spring force provides automatic locking without requiring additional fastening steps, while still maintaining secure engagement during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the reducer and spinal rod, providing a controlled engagement and disengagement interface. The spring-loaded buttons with slots create a mechanical intermediary system that ensures proper alignment and secure connection while allowing easy manipulation when needed.
2Reliability
If a secure lock mechanism is implemented to prevent unintentional disengagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into discrete functional components: spring-loaded buttons, slots, and engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall security of the connection, making the complex mechanism easier to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-step locking process, the design inverts the approach by using spring-loaded buttons that naturally engage and lock automatically. The security feature works passively through spring force rather than requiring active engagement steps, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining reliability.
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 provides secure engagement and disengagement of implants, maintaining stability during surgical procedures and allowing for efficient manipulation of the reducer and spinal rod, enhancing the precision and safety of spinal implant delivery.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded buttons and a sliding sleeve that automatically engages or disengages with slots
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant support comprises a first portion defining a longitudinal axis and a second portion including at least one arm extending from the first portion. The at least one arm includes a part. An extension is engageable with the at least one arm to move the at least one arm between a first position and a second position such that the part is disposed to releasably engage an implant. A lock is disposed with the first portion and connected with the extension. The lock is biased from a first configuration to a second configuration to engage the first portion and resist disengagement of the at least one arm from the second position. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.