Vertebral Stabilization Plate Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertebral fixation systems using temporary pins have disadvantages such as inadequate holding power, creation of cavities in vertebral bodies, and the risk of the plate acting as a lever, which can lead to pin displacement.

Innovation Solution

A vertebral stabilization system that eliminates the need for temporary pins by using a positioning handle with a locking mechanism, a drill guide assembly, a vertebral stabilization plate, and an intervertebral cage with a locking mechanism, allowing for secure fixation and alignment without pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If temporary pins are made small, then the device complexity is reduced, but the holding power is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin sizeVSAvoidholding power

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is divided into multiple functional components: a plate for vertebral fixation, a positioning handle with locking mechanism for secure attachment, and a drill guide assembly for precise screw placement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for temporary pins while maintaining overall system strength and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning handle with locking mechanism is attached to the plate before the surgical procedure begins, establishing secure fixation in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for temporary pins during the procedure, as the locking mechanism ensures the plate remains firmly positioned throughout the surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If temporary pins are made large, then the holding power is improved, but cavities are created in the vertebral bodies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding powerVSAvoidcavity creation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful temporary pins are completely removed from the system. Instead, a positioning handle with locking mechanism is attached to the plate, which provides secure fixation without penetrating the vertebral bodies. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of cavity creation while maintaining adequate holding power through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the plate is not flush with the vertebral bodies, then the ease of operation is improved, but the plate acts as a lever and causes pin displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate manipulationVSAvoidpin stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning handle with locking mechanism is attached to the plate before the procedure, establishing secure fixation in advance. This preliminary action ensures the plate remains stable during manipulation, eliminating the risk of pin displacement while allowing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning handle acts as an intermediary between the plate and the surgeon's tools. It provides a stable interface for manipulation while the locking mechanism ensures the plate remains firmly positioned, preventing lever-induced displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250127627A1Systems and methods for adjacent vertebral fixation

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 ABSOLUTE ADVANTAGE MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

A positioning system for vertebral stabilization includes a holder, a vertebral stabilization plate, and an intervertebral cage. The components feature compatible diameters and locking mechanisms, enabling secure engagement of vertebral elements during surgery.