Multi-Axis Adjustable Joint Implant with Gear Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacement implants do not adequately address soft tissue tension and lack means for post-operative adjustment to achieve desired height, tilt, inclination, or rotation, making it difficult to restore natural biomechanical properties of joints like the knee.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis adjustable joint implant device with a prosthesis body featuring sets of gears coupled with axles, allowing for changes in axial distance and angle between joint components, along with a method for receiving signals to activate internal modules for adjustment based on detected physical metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed joint implant is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to adjust soft tissue tension and restore natural joint kinematics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The joint implant incorporates adjustable components with gear mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the implant's geometry and orientation after implantation. The axles can be rotated to change the relative position and angle between joint components, enabling post-operative adjustment of soft tissue tension and joint kinematics.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint implant is divided into separate components (first joint component, second joint component, and body) that can be independently positioned and oriented. The gear mechanisms are segmented into multiple axles and gear sets, allowing independent adjustment of different parameters such as height, tilt, and rotation.
2Reliability
If post-operative adjustment capability is added, then soft tissue tension can be improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The joint implant includes sensors that detect physical metrics such as soft tissue tension and joint kinematics, and transmit this data to an external device. The external device processes the data and provides feedback to guide adjustments of the gear mechanisms, enabling data-driven optimization of soft tissue tension and joint function.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment axes are incorporated, then joint kinematics can be restored more accurately, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The same gear sets and axles are used to adjust multiple parameters (height, tilt, rotation) across different planes, reducing the number of unique parts needed and simplifying manufacturing processes.
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 enables precise adjustment of joint implants in multiple planes, improving soft tissue tension and restoring natural joint kinematics, thereby enhancing functional outcomes and potentially extending implant lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The prosthesis body can include a first worm gear and a second worm gear each coupled with the first axle. The prosthesis body can include a second worm gear and a fourth worm gear each coupled with the second axle.
Implementation Method 2
The first worm wheel coupled with the second end of the prosthesis body and having a first threaded female mating portion, the second worm wheel coupled with the second end of the prosthesis body and having a second threaded female mating portion
Implementation Method 3
The body can include a first gear mechanism to cause a change in axial distance between the first end and the second end of the body. The body can include a second gear mechanism to cause a change in angle between the first end and the second end of the body about an axis.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to evaluate a joint implant device are provided. The joint implant device can include a body having a first end to couple with a first joint component and a second end to couple with a second joint component. The body can include a first gear mechanism to cause a change in axial distance between the first end and the second end of the body. The body can include a second gear mechanism to cause a change in angle between the first end and the second end of the body about an axis.