Spinal Rod Securing Device with Deformable Forks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable devices for correcting vertebral levels face issues such as early wear of elongate elements due to abrasion, inability to adjust tension post-implantation, and complexity in reversing the securing device for adjustment, which complicates the treatment of scoliosis and degenerative pathologies.
Innovation Solution
A securing device comprising deformable forks that encase a rod, allowing for tension adjustment and easy detachment, with a shoulder part and inner radii designed to secure the elongate element without direct clamping, enabling rotation and translation control while maintaining stability and ease of repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping device is used to secure the elongate element to the rod, then the elongate element is held in place, but early wear of the elongate element occurs via abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a housing as an intermediary component that receives both the rod and the elongate element. The elongate element is wrapped around the rod inside the housing, and the clasping device secures both components within the housing rather than directly clamping the elongate element to the rod. This intermediary housing structure prevents direct contact and friction between the elongate element and rod, thereby eliminating abrasion and wear while maintaining secure positioning.
2Reliability
If the elongate element is fully locked by the clamping device, then it is secured in place, but adjustment of tensioning is no longer possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic securing system where the clasping device can be engaged and disengaged from the housing. When disengaged, the elongate element can slide freely within the housing to allow tension adjustment. When engaged, the element is secured in place. This dynamic mechanism enables both adjustment capability and secure locking, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screws are used to adjust correction, then correction can be adjusted, but the device becomes complex and difficult to reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment and securing functions into a single integrated mechanism. The clasping device with its engageable/disengageable feature allows both tension adjustment (when disengaged) and secure locking (when engaged) through one component rather than requiring multiple separate screws and adjustment mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining adjustability.
4Reliability
If the securing device is designed for secure locking, then the elongate element is firmly held, but easy repositioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clasping device that can be easily engaged and disengaged from the housing. When disengaged, the elongate element can be repositioned or adjusted without removing the entire securing device from the rod. When engaged, firm locking is achieved. This dynamic design allows easy repositioning while maintaining secure locking capability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
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 solution allows for adjustable tensioning of the elongate element around the rod, preventing wear and facilitating easy repositioning without detaching the securing device from the vertebral level, enhancing the stability and adjustability of the implantable device for treating vertebral corrections.
Implementation Method 1
the press-fitting of the first and second forks either side of the elongate element partly encasing said rod generates their deformation for securing thereof to said rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an implantable device (40), in particular to correct at least one vertebral level, comprising a rod having an outer radius (Rt) and a circumference determined at an area on a length (Lt); an elongate flat ligament; and a securing devices (50) of said elongate element in a partial encasing position of said area comprising first (51) and second (52) forks first general partly annular shape of inner radius, respectively, and comprising partly annular lower bearing surfaces respectively delimiting first (51b) and second (52b) circumference portions greater than half the circumference. Said securing devices (50) further comprises a shoulder part arranged relative to said lower bearing surfaces (51a, 52a) of the first and second forks (51, 52) so as to form a passage for said elongate element in said encasing position between said forks (51, 52) and said shoulder part (60).