Adjustable Joint Energy Absorber for Osteoarthritis Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for osteoarthritis, such as joint replacement and osteotomy, fail to precisely control joint loads, leading to inadequate pain relief and limited success due to rigidity of devices that do not account for the dynamic nature of natural joints, which are composed of elements with varying compliance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable energy-absorbing device is developed to attach to joints, allowing for energy absorption, load reduction, and redistribution without limiting joint motion, featuring adjustable components that can be post-operatively adjusted to accommodate changing patient needs, incorporating feedback mechanisms for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid devices are used for joint replacement or osteotomy, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the device cannot adapt to dynamic joint motion and load variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the energy absorber adjustable and adaptable to changing joint conditions. The device allows post-operative adjustment of energy absorption characteristics to match the patient's specific joint dynamics, motion patterns, and load variations, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptability to dynamic joint motion.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed energy absorption is designed into the device, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the device cannot accommodate changing patient needs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by designing an adjustable energy absorber that can be modified post-operatively. This allows the device to transition from a static, simply manufactured component to a dynamic system that adapts to changing patient needs, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling adjustment of the energy absorption characteristics after implantation. The absorber's physical parameters (energy absorption capacity, stiffness) can be changed to match the patient's evolving joint conditions, activity level, and rehabilitation progress, resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing and adaptive performance.
3Reliability
If precise load control is implemented, then joint healing and cartilage protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling precise control of load and energy absorption parameters. The adjustable energy absorber allows surgeons to tailor the mechanical environment to optimize cartilage protection and joint healing, resolving the contradiction between reliable healing outcomes and device complexity.
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 device effectively reduces joint load, absorbs energy, and redistributes forces, providing pain relief and promoting natural healing by mimicking the dynamic properties of natural joints, thus enhancing treatment outcomes for osteoarthritis.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring configured to absorb a load between the first and second members
Implementation Method 2
energy absorbing device... featuring adjustable components that can be post-operatively adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.