Research: From Flip-Phones To Helping Fix Spines

Originally, the work being done by a BYU research team was aimed at innovating the hinge mechanisms on the flip-phone cell design. BUT, the debut of the Apple smartphone would fundamentally redefine the cellphone. It sent all competitors scrambling — that included abandoning plans for future iterations of flip phones. Imagine what a letdown it was to be so close to seeing so much research work, be so close to earning massive financial backing and then everything ends.

The work of the team focused on an area of mechanical engineering known as compliant mechanisms. This is a term that applies to rigid materials that are designed in such a way that they can move or flex and then return to their original shapes. Simplified examples include things like a backpack latch or paperclip.

But the BYU researchers were not dissuaded. Instead they pivoted and launched an effort to identify what other product areas could benefit from their work. Orthopedic medical devices arose as an arena where design advancements might be put to use.

As the team began looking at what was required for spinal movement and disc replacement they found a lot in common with what is required for that type of device. Then they realized the similarities between what they had developed and the phone hinge. The team began to focus on the challenge of designing a replacement that emulates the function of a spinal disc.

Read more about their research and work here.