Spinal Rod Connector with Movable Clamping Body
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal rod connectors fail to accommodate non-parallel spinal rods, leading to loss of correction and instability in spinal fixation procedures, as they do not allow for angular adjustments between the rods.
Innovation Solution
A rod-to-rod connector apparatus featuring a cross bar with a main body and clamping mechanism that includes a cam clamp and set screws, allowing for adjustable alignment and rigid coupling of spinal rods, enabling secure fixation even when rods are not perfectly parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid connectors are used to connect spinal rods, then rod migration is prevented and spinal stability is improved, but the connectors cannot accommodate non-parallel rod alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic design where the clamping body can be moved between a first position (disengaged) and a second position (engaged), allowing the connector to adapt to angular misalignments during the clamping process while maintaining rigid fixation once locked in place
Solution Approach 2:
The connector allows for parameter changes in rod alignment by accommodating angular deviations through its clamping mechanism, which can adjust to non-parallel rod positions during installation and then lock them in the desired configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable alignment mechanisms are added to accommodate non-parallel rods, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a main body, a movable clamping body, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving angular adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping body is designed to be movable rather than fixed, enabling it to adapt to angular variations in rod alignment. This dynamic element provides the necessary adjustability without requiring complex mechanical linkages or adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for coupling a spinal rod to a cross bar comprising a main body having a channel with a wall for receiving a spinal rod therein, an opening for receiving a fastener with at least one tang adjacent to the opening, a clamping body pivotally disposed in the main body, the clamping body being moveable between a first position in which it does not clamp the spinal rod in the channel and a second position in which it does clamp the spinal rod in the channel, a cross bar having an opening aligned substantially with the opening of the main body and having the tang disposed therein, and a fastener for rigidly coupling the cross bar to the main body, the fastener being positioned within the openings of the cross bar and the main body, wherein the fastener is operable to force the tang into the cross bar to clamp the cross bar to the main body and simultaneously to move the clamping body between the first position and the second position.