Vertebral Implant Safety Element Prevents Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral implants face challenges in maintaining the height of the intervertebral space while preventing unintended movement or compression, particularly in cervical and lumbar spine applications, where complex locking mechanisms can complicate surgical procedures and height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral implant system featuring a safety element that engages with the expansion ring's gearing, allowing for radial movement and rotation, which is accessible from the outside and includes a flat spring mechanism to block unintended movement, simplifying the locking process and eliminating the need for additional complex components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to prevent unintended movement of implant parts, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking members and slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation function and locking function into a single gearing mechanism. The expansion ring's gearing serves dual purposes: it actuates the height adjustment when rotated, and it automatically locks the position when the safety element engages with the teeth. This eliminates the need for separate locking members and slots, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearing of the expansion ring performs multiple functions: it translates rotational motion into axial movement for height adjustment, and it provides the locking mechanism through engagement with the safety element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated locking components, addressing the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation and locking operations into a single integrated mechanism. The surgeon operates the expansion ring's gearing to adjust height, and the safety element automatically engages or disengages from the gearing teeth based on the operational state. This eliminates the need for separate locking operations, improving ease of operation during surgery while maintaining compression prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety element automatically engages with the gearing teeth to lock the position or disengages to allow adjustment, based on the operational state of the expansion ring. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual locking operations by the surgeon, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through automatic compression prevention.
3Reliability
If additional locking components are added to prevent unintended movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking function into the existing expansion ring gearing without adding separate locking components. The safety element interacts directly with the gearing teeth, using the same mechanical structure for both actuation and locking. This eliminates the need for additional locking members, slots, or separate locking mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliability through functional integration rather than component proliferation.
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 system enables easy height adjustment and prevents compression, simplifying surgical handling by using a single gearing for both actuation and blocking, reducing the complexity of locking mechanisms and enhancing surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flat spring mechanism to block unintended movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a safety element, an implant comprising such a safety element and an implant system comprising an implant with the safety element. The safety element for an implant is arranged between an outer and inner part of an implant, wherein the safety element engages into the gearing of an expansion ring, wherein a releasing space between outer part and inner part of the implant is provided into that the safety element is to be radially moved for enabling rotation of the expansion ring.