Spine Stabilization Device with Flexible Inflection Core
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization devices fail to mimic the natural kinematic signature of the spinal disc, limiting movement to only a few degrees and not effectively addressing the need for a device that replicates the six degrees of motion associated with the natural spinal disc.
Innovation Solution
A spinal disc assembly featuring a flexible core with an inflection region and support components that allow for six degrees of motion, including translation, rotation, and axial bending, while being secured with a tether to limit excessive movement, and incorporating biocompatible materials for stability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid spinal stabilization device is used to stabilize adjacent vertebrae, then stability and strength are improved, but the ability to mimic natural kinematic movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The core is segmented into an inflection region and end regions, allowing different portions to perform different functions. The inflection region provides flexibility for natural movement while the end regions maintain stability for vertebral engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the core have different structural properties. The inflection region has reduced thickness and increased flexibility to enable movement, while the end regions have increased thickness and rigidity to provide stable engagement surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible core is used to enable six degrees of motion, then natural kinematic movement is improved, but stability and control of movement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The core transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and orientation. The inflection region allows the core to dynamically bend and rotate, enabling six degrees of motion while maintaining stability through controlled flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the core is made highly flexible to enable movement, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The core has non-uniform thickness with the inflection region being thinner for flexibility and the end regions being thicker for strength. This local variation in geometry allows the structure to be flexible where needed while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core is made from elastomeric or viscoelastic materials that provide both flexibility and structural strength. These materials allow the inflection region to bend and deform while the end regions maintain sufficient strength for vertebral engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.