Enhanced Angle-Expandable Spinal Cage with Improved Adjustability and Customization
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept introduces a novel angle-expandable spinal cage that enables precise angle adjustments, incremental customization, and improved stability, addressing the limitations of existing spinal cage designs.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's angle-expandable spinal cage has limitations in terms of adjustability, customization, and stability. The new inventive concept solves these problems by introducing a driving bolt that can rotate and translate simultaneously, a curved frame surface for smooth angle adjustments, a ratchet mechanism for incremental customization, and a locking mechanism to maintain desired angles.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced angle-expandable spinal cage comprises a frame with a curved surface, an upper plate and a lower plate that can slide along the curved surface to adjust the angle, and a driving bolt that can rotate and translate simultaneously to achieve precise angle adjustments. The upper plate and lower plate have a ratchet mechanism that allows for incremental customization of the angle. The driving bolt is configured to lock in place to maintain the desired angle, ensuring stability and reliability. The inventive concept also enables customization of the angle to suit individual patient needs.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel driving bolt mechanism that can rotate and translate simultaneously, a curved frame surface, and a ratchet mechanism for incremental customization. These features are non-obvious and novel compared to the original patent, providing a significant improvement in adjustability, customization, and stability.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different materials for the frame and plates, varying the curvature of the frame surface, or incorporating sensors to monitor and adjust the angle in real-time. Variations could also include different types of driving bolts or locking mechanisms, or integrating the spinal cage with other medical devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced angle-expandable spinal cage has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of spinal surgery. The inventive concept's improved adjustability, customization, and stability make it an attractive solution for surgeons and patients, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.
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)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically spinal orthopedic implant design, focusing on adjustable surgical intervention technologies for spine alignment and stabilization
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic medical device designer with expertise in mechanical design, biomaterials, surgical instrumentation, and advanced mechanical adjustment mechanisms with 3-5 years professional experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable engineering modifications to the source patent's angle-expandable spinal cage design. The incremental improvements in angle adjustment, driving bolt mechanics, and customization features are logical extensions of existing spinal cage technology that would be obvious to implement using standard mechanical design principles and known surgical device engineering techniques.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,435 |
|---|---|
| Title | Angle-expandable spinal cage |
| Assignee(s) | PMT Republic, Inc., GBS Commonwealth Co., Ltd. |