Enhanced Angle-Expandable Spinal Cage with Real-Time Feedback and Self-Locking Mechanism

Publication ID: 24-11857435_0001_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Angle-Expandable Spinal Cage with Real-Time Feedback and Self-Locking Mechanism,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857435_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857435_0001_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,435.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved angle-expandable spinal cage that enables precise angle adjustments in real-time, featuring a self-locking mechanism to maintain the adjusted angle and a sensor for detecting the angle of the upper and lower plates with respect to the frame.

Background and Problem Solved

The original angle-expandable spinal cage patent has limitations in terms of precision and stability during angle adjustments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a sensor for real-time feedback and a self-locking mechanism to ensure the adjusted angle is maintained, thereby enhancing the overall performance and safety of the spinal cage.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced angle-expandable spinal cage comprises a frame having a space formed therein, an upper plate and a lower plate disposed to face each other, and a block disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate. The block features a self-locking mechanism to maintain the adjusted angle, and a sensor is integrated to detect the angle of the upper plate and the lower plate with respect to the frame. The sensor provides real-time feedback to the user, enabling precise angle adjustments. A driving bolt is operable to adjust the angle of the upper plate and the lower plate with respect to the frame, and the self-locking mechanism ensures the adjusted angle is secured in place.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces the novel combination of a sensor for real-time feedback and a self-locking mechanism to maintain the adjusted angle, which is not present in the original patent. This combination enables precise angle adjustments and ensures the stability of the spinal cage, thereby providing a non-obvious improvement over the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the design of the self-locking mechanism, using different types of sensors for angle detection, or integrating the spinal cage with other medical devices for enhanced functionality. Additionally, the inventive concept could be adapted for use in other medical applications beyond spinal cages.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced angle-expandable spinal cage has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the orthopedic and spine surgery markets. The improved precision and stability of the spinal cage could lead to increased adoption and market share, as well as potential licensing opportunities with other medical device manufacturers.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61F2/4455
A	A61	A61F2002/3054
A	A61	A61F2002/30433
A	A61	A61F2002/30471
A	A61	A61F2002/30579

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically spinal implant design and biomechanical interventions, focusing on orthopedic surgical technologies with expertise in mechanical adjustment mechanisms for spinal reconstruction devices

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic medical device designer with advanced degree, working knowledge of spinal biomechanics, mechanical design principles, and surgical intervention technologies, capable of understanding complex mechanical interactions in surgical implants

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that adding real-time sensor feedback and a self-locking mechanism to an existing angle-expandable spinal cage represents a predictable engineering solution to enhance surgical precision and device stability. The source patent establishes the fundamental mechanical framework for angle adjustment, which naturally invites incremental improvements in monitoring and securing angular positioning. These variations represent logical extensions of the existing technological approach using standard engineering design techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Driving bolt for adjusting angle between upper and lower plates

PTD Variation

Adding integrated sensor to provide real-time angle feedback during adjustment

Obviousness Reasoning

Incorporating position sensors into mechanical adjustment systems is a known technique in precision medical devices, representing a predictable technological enhancement

Source Patent Element

Frame with space between upper and lower plates

PTD Variation

Implementing a self-locking mechanism within the block to maintain adjusted angle

Obviousness Reasoning

Mechanical self-locking features are standard design solutions for maintaining precise positioning in adjustable medical devices, representing a finite and obvious design choice

Source Patent Element

Angle-expandable spinal cage with adjustable plates

PTD Variation

Integrating digital feedback system to enable precise real-time angle monitoring

Obviousness Reasoning

Digitally monitoring mechanical movements is a standard engineering approach for improving device performance and surgical precision

Source Patent Element

Mechanical block between upper and lower plates

PTD Variation

Adding restraint mechanisms to prevent unintended angular movement

Obviousness Reasoning

Implementing additional mechanical stability features represents a predictable solution to enhance device reliability and surgical safety

Source Patent Element

Basic angle adjustment mechanism

PTD Variation

Developing alternative embodiments with modular sensor and locking configurations

Obviousness Reasoning

Exploring design variations within a known technological framework is a standard approach for incremental medical device innovation

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857435, the present published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations in angle-expandable spinal cage design represent obvious extensions of existing technological approaches, rendering subsequent patent claims involving similar sensor-integrated and self-locking mechanical adjustment mechanisms anticipated and non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,435
Title	Angle-expandable spinal cage
Assignee(s)	PMT Republic, Inc., GBS Commonwealth Co., Ltd.