Bone Implant With Adhesive Coating And Energy-Assisted Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic fixation methods using screws weaken bones, risk nerve and vessel damage, and are invasive, while adhesives lack sufficient bond strength and have long curing times, increasing infection risk.
Innovation Solution
An implant with a surface shape matching the body part, coated with adhesive and featuring conduits for rapid energy-assisted curing, reducing exposure time and improving bond strength without physical attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fixation screws are used to secure implants to bones, then the implant is firmly fixed in place, but the bone's cortex is weakened and may result in further fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw fixation system with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive layer is applied between the implant and bone surface, eliminating the need for drill holes and mechanical fasteners. This substitution maintains fixation strength while preserving bone integrity by avoiding cortical penetration and structural compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical interlocking (screws) to chemical adhesion (adhesive layers). By modifying the attachment parameter from physical penetration to surface bonding, the solution achieves secure fixation without the harmful effects of drilling and mechanical fastening on bone tissue.
2Reliability
If adhesives are used for implant fixation, then bone integrity is preserved, but the bond strength is insufficient and curing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite adhesive system combining multiple adhesive layers with different properties. The first adhesive layer provides initial bonding, while the second adhesive layer enhances overall bond strength. This composite approach overcomes the limitation of single-adhesive systems by achieving both sufficient strength and bone integrity preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies surface treatment to the bone and/or implant surfaces before adhesive application. This preliminary action enhances surface roughness and chemical reactivity, improving adhesive bonding strength without compromising bone integrity. The pre-treatment ensures that the adhesive achieves maximum bonding potential upon application.
3Strength
If traditional adhesives are used without acceleration, then bond strength is achieved, but surgery time is increased and infection risk is elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes photopolymerization, a phase transition process where the adhesive changes from a liquid state to a solid state upon exposure to light. This enables rapid curing of the adhesive layer during surgery, significantly reducing curing time and associated infection risks while maintaining adequate bond strength for implant fixation.
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 implant provides strong, secure bonding with reduced risk of hardware failure and infection, allowing for faster surgery and improved patient outcomes by using energy-assisted curing to accelerate adhesive bonding.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive is UV curable; a UV light source is in communication with the conduit so as to cure the adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implant (1) for use in the body, at least one portion of the surface of the implant being mutually engageable with at least one portion of at least one body part. Also disclosed is a method of surgery comprising the steps of: a) forming an implant (1) comprising at least one portion of the surface of the implant being mutually engageable with at least one portion of at least one body part, b) applying a layer of adhesive to the at least one portion of the surface, c) engaging the at least one portion of the surface with the at least one portion of at least one body part.