Spring-Loaded Clamping Device for Interbody Implant Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal implants require teeth to secure fixation devices, which can damage vertebral endplates and lead to failed spinal fusion due to displacement during drilling or awling processes.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a spring mechanism and anti-slipping elements, such as rubber or silicone feet, is used to affix a stop plate to an interbody implant, allowing for stabilization without damaging the endplates, featuring a stepped seat and guide slot for secure alignment and a caddy for storing the stop plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If teeth are used on the implant to secure fixation devices, then the implant can be stabilized during surgery, but the vertebral endplates are damaged and spinal fusion fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful 'teeth' feature from the implant design. Instead of using teeth that engage with bone, the implant has a smooth surface that interfaces with a clamping device, which in turn secures the implant without requiring endplate engagement. This extraction of the harmful feature eliminates endplate damage while maintaining implant stability through the clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device serves as an intermediary between the implant and the fixation devices. Rather than having fixation devices directly engage the implant teeth (which damage endplates), the clamping device mediates this interaction by providing a secure clamping mechanism that holds the implant in place without requiring harmful tooth engagement with the vertebral endplates.
2Strength
If traditional fixation devices are used requiring drilling through the implant, then secure attachment to bone is achieved, but the implant is displaced from its intended position
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is applied to the implant before the drilling and fixation processes. It preliminarily secures the implant in its correct position and maintains this stabilization throughout the subsequent drilling and fixation operations, preventing displacement that would otherwise occur during these invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device applies a preliminary counteracting force against the displacing forces generated during drilling and fixation. By clamping the implant securely before and during these procedures, it prevents the implant from moving in response to the mechanical stresses of drilling and screw insertion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a clamping device with spring mechanism is used to secure the implant, then the implant is stabilized without damaging endplates, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism in the clamping device is designed to be self-actuating. When the clamping portions are assembled around the implant, the spring automatically compresses and expands to provide the necessary clamping force, eliminating the need for additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The device serves itself by using elastic potential energy stored in the spring to maintain continuous stabilization pressure.
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 clamping device effectively secures the implant without damaging the vertebral endplates, ensuring stable spinal fusion by using a spring mechanism to move the clamping portions and anti-slipping elements for secure alignment, reducing the risk of implant displacement during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a second clamping portion attached to the body by a spring. The second clamping portion is movable with respect to the first clamping portion. Compressing the spring moves the second clamping portion away from the first clamping portion and expanding the spring moves the second clamping portion toward the first clamping portion
Implementation Method 2
The clamping device may further include one or more anti-slipping elements. The anti-slipping elements may be rubber or silicone feet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for affixing a stop plate to an interbody implant. The system includes a clamping device, a stop plate, and an inserter tool. The clamping device includes a body, a first clamping portion attached to the body including a stepped seat and a guide slot, and a second clamping portion attached to the body by a spring. Compressing the spring moves the second clamping portion away from the first clamping portion and expanding the spring moves the second clamping portion toward the first clamping portion.