Vertebral Rod Stability Element Prevents Warping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral rods face issues with shape and dimension alteration during manufacturing and assembly due to methods like injection molding, leading to warping, shrinkage, and creep, which compromise the integrity of the rod design.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a removable stability element and guide element, such as a C-shaped intermediate section with an elastic bumper and a temporary structural element, to prevent unintended closure and collapse during manufacturing, ensuring dimensional stability and facilitating assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If injection molding is used to manufacture the vertebral rod, then the rod can be mass-produced efficiently, but the rod suffers from warping, shrinkage and creep that alter its shape and dimension
Solution Approach 1:
A temporary stability element is inserted into the rod cavity before injection molding to pre-establish the correct geometric configuration. This preliminary action prevents warping and shrinkage during the molding process, ensuring the rod maintains its intended shape and dimensions while still allowing for efficient mass production through injection molding
2Ease of operation
If the vertebral rod uses an open C-shaped intermediate section design, then assembly is simplified and flexibility is improved, but the section may unintentionally close or collapse during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
A temporary stability element acts as an intermediary support structure inserted into the C-shaped intermediate section during manufacturing. This element prevents the section from collapsing or closing unintentionally while allowing the simple open C-shaped design to be maintained for ease of assembly. The stability element is removed after manufacturing is complete
3Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing methods like injection molding are employed, then production cost is reduced, but the rod undergoes undesirable alteration of shape and dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary stability element is inserted before injection molding to pre-establish the correct geometric configuration. This allows the rod to be manufactured using cost-effective injection molding while preventing the warping, shrinkage and creep that would otherwise alter the rod's shape and dimension. The stability element ensures dimensional integrity is maintained throughout the manufacturing process
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 solution maintains the integrity of the vertebral rod design by preventing shape and dimension alterations, enhancing manufacturing stability and assembly efficiency, while providing support and flexibility for spinal stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
The bumper may have different sizes, shapes and material properties to provide a desired amount of distraction and dampening
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section and an intermediate section disposed between the first section and the second section. The intermediate section has an inner surface and opposing end portions that define an open portion. A removable element extends from one of the first, second or intermediate sections and is disposable adjacent the opposing end portions. The element is configured to prevent engagement of the opposing end portions. A resistance member is configured for disposal with the intermediate section and engaging at least a portion of the inner surface. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.