Transverse Connector With Sliding Sub-assemblies For Spinal Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization systems face challenges in finding appropriate transverse connectors that can accommodate rod members with varying distances and non-parallel angles, which complicates the stabilization of the spine and may interfere with adjacent screws or the spinal cord.
Innovation Solution
The development of a transverse connector system with sliding sub-assemblies along a cross rod, featuring inner and outer clamps with nuts and rails, allowing for adjustable positioning and angulation to accommodate rod members of different lengths and orientations, while minimizing profile interference with the spinal cord.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transverse connector is designed to connect rod members at varying distances and angles, then the adaptability and versatility of the spinal stabilization system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for sliding sub-assemblies, rails, and adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse connector employs dynamic sliding sub-assemblies that can move along the cross rod within slots, allowing the connector to adapt to varying distances and angles between rod members. The sub-assemblies can be positioned and locked at different locations, providing adjustability without requiring multiple fixed-size connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse connector is divided into separate sub-assemblies (first sub-assembly for the first rod member, second sub-assembly for the second rod member) that can independently slide and position themselves along the cross rod. This segmentation allows each sub-assembly to independently accommodate its rod member while maintaining overall connectivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the transverse connector profile is reduced to minimize interference with the spinal cord and adjacent screws, then the safety and ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The design nests the rod members within the sub-assemblies, which are themselves positioned on the cross rod. The inner clamp grips the rod member while the outer components provide additional support. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall profile extending toward the spinal cord while maintaining structural integrity through multiple concentric support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross rod features arched portions at specific locations to accommodate spinous processes, providing localized structural adaptation without increasing the overall profile. The slots are positioned and sized to provide necessary adjustability while maintaining a compact connector design that minimizes interference with neurological elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size transverse connectors are used, then the manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different spinal configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse connector is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various rod member sizes, distances, and angles through its sliding sub-assemblies. Rather than manufacturing multiple fixed-size connectors for different applications, a single universal design with adjustable features serves multiple spinal stabilization configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses transverse connectors that are connectable to first and second rod members that extend along a length of the spine. The transverse connectors are capable of gripping first and second rod members that are at different distances relative to one another, as well as at non-parallel angles relative to one another. In some instances, the first and second rod members can be bottom-loaded into the transverse connectors, while in other instances, the first and second rod members can be side-loaded into the transverse connectors.