Spinal Connector Wedge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant systems face challenges in providing secure connections between spinal support rods and vertebral anchors at various angles, especially when components are located at different heights and distances, requiring improved connectors that combine wedged and offset attachment features.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first portion with an offset hole for receiving a vertebral anchor and a second portion with a rotatable, wedge mechanism for securing a spinal rod, including an interference member that intersects the hole to lock the elements in place, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector provides secure connections at various angles with offset positioning, then adaptability and connection security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple segments: a body portion, a rotatable portion, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the body provides structural support, the rotatable portion enables angle adjustment, and the locking mechanism secures the connection. By dividing the connector into functional segments, the design achieves multi-angle adaptability without creating an overly complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a rotatable portion that can dynamically adjust between multiple angular positions before being locked in place. This dynamic capability allows the connector to adapt to various anatomical configurations and connection angles. The transition from a fixed to a dynamic adjustable structure enables versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled movement rather than multiple static components.
2Reliability
If a wedge mechanism is used to secure linear elements, then connection security is improved, but material usage and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge mechanism is nested within the connector body, with the locking portion integrated into the existing structure rather than adding separate external components. The interference member is positioned within the body cavity and works in conjunction with existing structural elements. This nesting approach provides secure wedge-based locking while minimizing additional material volume by utilizing the space already defined by the connector's overall geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge mechanism is applied locally at specific critical interfaces within the connector - specifically where the rotatable portion meets the body and where linear elements are secured. Rather than using extensive wedge structures throughout the entire connector, the design concentrates wedge-based locking features only at the locations where secure connection is most critical, thereby achieving high connection security with minimal material usage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If working components are shielded from tissues, then tissue protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body acts as a protective shell that encloses and shields the working components - including the wedge mechanism, interference members, and locking features - from direct contact with surrounding tissues. This shell-based protection approach provides tissue safety by containing potentially harmful mechanical elements within the biocompatible connector structure, while the shell itself serves as a structural component rather than adding separate protective layers.
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 connector provides a secure and adjustable connection between linear elements, accommodating various anatomical angles and minimizing material usage, while shielding working components from tissues to avoid damage.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered or wedge-shaped component against which the vertebral anchor is forced to secure the vertebral anchor relative to the connector
Implementation Method 2
A wedged attachment such as this may provide a secure connection
Implementation Method 3
an assembly that is positioned at least in part along the assembly axis within the first portion and the second portion, the assembly having an interference member distending from the assembly axis such that when the connector is in the first state, the interference member does not intersect the first hole in the first portion, and when the connector is in the second state, the interference member does at least in part intersect the first hole in the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for securing linear elements relative to one another. In some embodiments, medical implant linear elements are secured in a connector by forcing one or both of the linear elements against at least another member such as a tapered member or wedge. The secured linear elements may include rods, posts, screws, hooks, bars, bolts, or other members.