Universal Bone Anchor Coupling Device for Selectable Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current modular bone anchoring systems lack versatility and efficiency, as they require multiple parts to achieve polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial functionalities, increasing manufacturing and storage costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device that can be used with different bone anchors to provide selectable polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial functionalities, featuring a receiving part, pressure member, and restraining structure to accommodate various pivoting configurations, allowing for interchangeable use with fewer parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are used to achieve polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial functionalities, then the system can provide versatile bone anchoring options, but the number of parts increases, leading to higher manufacturing and storage costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed with a universal receiving part that can accommodate different bone anchor types (polyaxial, monoplanar, and monoaxial) through a single standardized interface. The receiving part includes a head receiving portion and rod receiving portion that work with various bone anchor configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coupling devices and reducing the overall number of parts in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized coupling devices are manufactured for different bone anchor types, then each device can be optimized for specific functionality, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manufacturing separate optimized devices for each bone anchor type, the invention creates a single universal coupling device with a standardized receiving part that maintains functional optimization through its design features: the head receiving portion accommodates various head configurations, the rod receiving portion provides consistent rod engagement, and the restraining structure adapts to different bone anchor geometries, all within one device design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a modular system uses interchangeable parts for different bone anchors, then the system can be assembled for different applications, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterchangeabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device employs a universal receiving part with a standardized interface that simplifies the modular system architecture. The head receiving portion and rod receiving portion create a consistent connection protocol that works across different bone anchor types, reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces and assembly procedures while maintaining full interchangeability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4437983A1Coupling device for coupling a rod to a bone anchor and system of such a coupling device and at least two bone anchors
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 BIEDERMANN TECH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4437983A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4437983A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4437983A1 patent drawingFigure 7~11

AI summary

A coupling device for coupling a rod to a first bone anchor (1) of a first type or to a second bone anchor (1') of a second type is provided, the coupling device (10) comprising a receiving part (5) having a rod receiving portion (53) for receiving the rod (100) and a head receiving portion (52) for pivotably receiving a head (3) of the first bone anchor (1) or a head (3') of the second bone anchor (1') such that a shank (2) of the first or the second bone anchor can assume a plurality of angular positions relative to a pivot axis (C) extending through the head receiving portion (52), a pressure member (6) that is configured to exert pressure on an inserted head (3, 3') of the first bone anchor (1) or of the second bone anchor (1') to clamp the head (3, 3') at a particular angular position; wherein the coupling device (10) comprises a restraining structure (58, 600) by means of which the coupling device (10) is configured to cooperate with the first bone anchor (1) such that the first bone anchor (1) is configured to pivot with respect to the pivot axis (C) in a single plane or with the second bone anchor (1') such that the second bone anchor (1') is configured to pivot with respect to the pivot axis (C) in multiple planes.