Spine Cage Holder With Central Energy Transfer for Easier Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spine cage holders require repeated application of mechanical force for correct positioning, complicating surgical procedures and increasing the risk of injury.

Innovation Solution

A cage holder with a central energy transfer mechanism, allowing efficient energy transfer from the proximal to the distal end through an elongated body, minimizing the need for repeated force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional cage holder is used for spine cage insertion, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but repeated application of mechanical force is required which complicates the procedure and increases injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cage insertionVSAvoidcomplexity of force application procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cage holder is divided into distinct functional segments: an elongated body for force application, a central energy transfer means (shaft/tube) for efficient force transmission, and a cage attachment means at the distal end. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A central energy transfer means (shaft or tube) is introduced as an intermediary element between the proximal end where force is applied and the distal end where the cage is attached. This intermediary efficiently transmits mechanical energy through the elongated body, eliminating the need for repeated force applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If repeated mechanical force is applied to the cage holder, then the spine cage can be positioned, but the risk of injury to surgeon or patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of cage positioningVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cage holder is designed with a central energy transfer means that pre-configures the force transmission path from proximal to distal end. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when force is applied, it is efficiently transmitted through the elongated body to the cage attachment means, achieving reliable positioning in fewer applications and reducing injury risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If mechanical force is applied to the cage holder, then energy can be transferred to the cage, but inefficient energy transfer requires repeated force application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtime for repeated force application
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated body is designed with a central energy transfer means (shaft or tube) that concentrates and directs mechanical energy along the central longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end. This local quality enhancement at the energy transfer path maximizes efficiency and eliminates the need for repeated force applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates easier and safer insertion of spine cages by channeling mechanical energy directly to the cage, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

it is often necessary to force the cage into a desired position between vertebrae thus requiring a force, such as a mechanical force, to be applied by for example hammering on the end of a cage holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12409051B2Spine cage holder
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 NEO MEDICAL
  • US12409051B2 patent drawing
  • US12409051B2 patent drawing
  • US12409051B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cage holder includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated body extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The cage holder further includes means for transferring energy centrally from the proximal end to the distal end through the elongated body.