Integral Spring Locking Mechanism for Expandable Vertebral Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable vertebral body replacement devices face issues with screws or fasteners loosening due to shock or vibration, leading to potential health risks as they may back out, necessitating a locking mechanism that can secure the screw without additional components.
Innovation Solution
A spring device integral with the expandable support device, featuring first and second flexible arms that flex to allow the screw to be locked into position and prevent it from backing out, by collapsing over the screw head to secure it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or fasteners are used to secure the expandable support device, then the device can be locked into position, but the screws may become loose or back out due to shock or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is pre-configured with flexible arms that are biased to engage the screw head, creating a preliminary counteracting force against any loosening tendency caused by shock or vibration. The spring's elastic properties provide continuous pressure to maintain the locked position without requiring additional active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device automatically maintains the locked position through its elastic recovery force, eliminating the need for external monitoring or adjustment mechanisms. The spring continuously exerts force on the screw head to prevent backing out, and the system self-regulates based on the natural elastic properties of the spring material.
2Reliability
If auxiliary screws or separate components are used to prevent screw backing out, then the locking reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and the anti-backing-out function are merged into a single integrated spring device. The flexible arms of the spring device simultaneously perform the locking action and the prevention of screw backing out, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary screws or components. This integration reduces the overall component count while maintaining enhanced reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device performs multiple functions: it locks the screw into position, prevents the screw from backing out, and does so without requiring additional specialized components. The single spring device serves as both the locking mechanism and the retention mechanism, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces device complexity.
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 spring device effectively locks the screw in place and prevents it from backing out, even under shock or vibration, without the need for auxiliary screws or separate components, ensuring patient safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The first flexible arm and second flexible arm are adapted to flex outward and allow passage of the fastener head when an inward pressure is applied to the fastener positioned in the second aperture. The first flexible arm and the second flexible arms are adapted to collapse to their unflexed position after the fastener head has completed passage through the spring device
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for locking an expandable support device, where the locking device includes a spring device integral with the expandable support device, and the spring device includes an end portion, a first flexible arm, and a second flexible arm. A first aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the first rotational position and a second aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the second rotational position. The first flexible arm and second flexible arm are adapted to flex outward and allow passage of the fastener head when an inward pressure is applied to the fastener positioned in the second aperture. The first flexible arm and the second flexible arms are adapted to collapse to their unflexed position after the fastener head has completed passage through the spring device, such that the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm are adapted to cover the fastener head and prevent the fastener from backing out.