Variable Angle Spinal Connection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant connection assemblies face challenges in securely connecting elongated rods to bone anchors due to variations in anchor angle and position, leading to potential instability and difficulty in achieving a secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A variable angle connection assembly comprising a housing member, receiving member, annular member, ring member, and cap member, which allows for rotatable and translational connection of the spinal implant to the bone anchor, utilizing an interference member and ridges to lock the components in place while preventing unintended locking, enabling secure connection despite angular and positional variance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bone anchors are positioned at various angles and distances from the elongated rod to accommodate anatomical structure and surgeon preference, then the adaptability of the connection assembly is improved, but the reliability of the connection between the rod and bone anchors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with a movable locking member that can transition between unlocked and locked positions. The locking member is biased by a spring and can be actuated to engage with the anchor member at various angles, allowing the assembly to adapt to different anatomical configurations while maintaining secure connection when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for variable angular positioning of the bone anchor relative to the elongated rod through a controlled range of motion mechanism. The connection assembly can be adjusted to different angles and then locked in place, enabling parameter changes to accommodate anatomical variations while ensuring reliable fixation at the selected position
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to secure the connection between the elongated rod and bone anchors, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing member, a locking member, an anchor member, and a biasing spring. Each component has a specific function and can be manufactured independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving reliable locking through the coordinated interaction of these segmented parts
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-biased locking member that automatically engages with the anchor member when the assembly is properly positioned. The spring provides the necessary biasing force to maintain the locked position without requiring additional actuation mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable connection
Data Source
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AI summary
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.