Vertebral Fusion Cage Plate Reversible Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral interbody fusion systems with cage-plate designs are difficult to dismantle during surgery, especially in minimally invasive procedures, as the plate must be translated parallel to the cage, which is not feasible in limited surgical spaces, and surgeons lack flexibility in screw placement and removal.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral interbody fusion system comprising a cage and a plate with a reversible locking mechanism, where the plate can be removed by simple traction and the cage allows for free rotation and flexible screw placement, using a stud and hole configuration that facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, and a dismantling device with a handle and threaded axis for unlocking the plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the plate is fixed to the cage with a locking mechanism, then the stability of the cage-plate assembly is improved, but the ease of operation for dismantling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through rotational movement. The stud must rotate within the hole to disengage the locking position, transforming the fixed connection into a removable one. This dynamic mechanism allows the plate to be easily removed by simple traction after unlocking, resolving the contradiction between stability during use and ease of dismantling.
2Ease of operation
If the plate is removable by translation parallel to the cage, then the ease of operation for removal is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The removal mechanism shifts from translational movement in one dimension (parallel to the cage) to rotational movement in a different dimension (within the hole). The stud rotates within the confines of the hole to disengage the lock, eliminating the need for additional surgical space for plate translation. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by providing easy removal without increasing device complexity or space requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the plate and cage are fixed relative to each other, then the stability of the assembly is improved, but the adaptability for repositioning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between plate and cage transitions from a fixed static state to a dynamically adjustable state. The rotatable stud locking mechanism allows the plate to be securely fixed during surgery for stable screw placement, then easily unlocked and repositioned if needed. This dynamic system provides both stability during the procedure and adaptability for corrections, resolving the contradiction between fixed connection and repositioning flexibility.
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
Enables easy removal of the plate without translating the cage, allowing surgeons to freely position the plate on vertebral bodies and choose screw locations, improving surgical efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a dismantling device with a handle and threaded axis for unlocking the plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for setting and intersomatically fusing vertebrae comprises at least one case and a plate perpendicularly adjacent to the main plane of said case, wherein said plate (1) and case (2) are provided with a hole (21)and a stud (12) insertable and releasable lockable into said hole 21, the plate (1) is removable by a simple traction and a disassembling device and a kit comprises a system for setting and intersomatically fusing vertebrae and the disassembling device.