Self-securing Spinous Process Implant Locking Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implants for stabilizing vertebral bodies require a manual securing mechanism to prevent the locking element from moving out of position, which complicates the surgical process and increases the risk of error.

Innovation Solution

An implant with a self-securing mechanism using transversely oriented securing members that automatically move into a secured position upon application of a force, eliminating the need for additional manual steps and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual securing mechanism (cap) is used to secure the locking element, then the locking element can be secured against movement, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of locking elementVSAvoidstructure of implant

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing function is merged with the locking element itself. The locking element integrates both locking and securing functions through its geometry - when moved to the locked position, the locking element's shape automatically engages with the fixing element's securing features, eliminating the need for a separate cap component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element performs self-securing through its own movement. As the locking element is actuated to the locked position, its geometry automatically engages with corresponding features on the fixing element, causing the securing action to happen automatically without external intervention or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a manual securing mechanism (cap) is used to secure the locking element, then the locking element can be secured against movement, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of locking elementVSAvoidoperation of implant

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element performs self-securing through its own movement. As the locking element is actuated to the locked position, its geometry automatically engages with corresponding features on the fixing element, causing the securing action to happen automatically without external intervention or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The securing function is merged with the locking element itself. The locking element integrates both locking and securing functions through its geometry - when moved to the locked position, the locking element's shape automatically engages with the fixing element's securing features, eliminating the need for a separate cap component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate cap component is used for securing, then the locking element can be secured, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of locking elementVSAvoidalignment of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The securing function is merged with the locking element itself. The locking element integrates both locking and securing functions through its geometry - when moved to the locked position, the locking element's shape automatically engages with the fixing element's securing features, eliminating the need for a separate cap component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The separate cap component is extracted from the system. By removing the cap and integrating its securing function directly into the locking element, the patent eliminates the additional component and its associated alignment and assembly precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9078708B2Implant for mutually supporting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral bodies and a surgical system

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 AESCULAP AG

AI summary

An implant for supporting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral bodies includes a first implant component and a second implant component and is transferable by moving the second implant component relative to the first implant component along a spreading direction from an introduction position into a spread position. The implant includes a locking device incorporating a locking element wherein the locking element is transferable relative to at least one implant component along a locking direction from a release position, in which the second implant component is movable relative to the first implant component in a direction opposed to the spreading direction, into a locking position in which the second implant component is locked to the first implant component. The implant also includes a securing device for securing the locking element against a movement that is directed counter to the locking direction.