Extra-Articular Joint Implant With Spring-Damper Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for osteoarthritis and joint pain fail to address both joint movement and energy absorption, often requiring invasive procedures and lacking in energy dampening and absorption functions, while prior devices are rigid and do not account for the unique mechanics of individual joints.
Innovation Solution
Implantable devices that absorb and transfer energy, utilizing spring-like elements and dampening systems to reduce joint load and provide energy cushioning, tailored to individual joint mechanics through minimally invasive methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid devices are used to support joints, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to individual joint mechanics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid support structures with dynamic, flexible elements that can adapt to varying joint mechanics. The use of spring-like elements and dampening systems allows the device to dynamically respond to individual joint characteristics, motion patterns, and loading conditions while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing customization of energy absorption rates, spring constants, and dampening coefficients to match individual joint properties. This enables the same device structure to adapt to different patients, joints, and disease stages by modifying physical parameters rather than changing the fundamental rigid structure.
2Reliability
If invasive procedures are used to treat joint pain, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and patient recovery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy absorption and dampening functions from invasive joint procedures by placing the device extracapsularly or pericapsularly. This allows the therapeutic function to be achieved without modifying articular cartilage or requiring joint penetration, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while significantly reducing procedural invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that acts between the joint and external forces. This device absorbs and dampens energy before it reaches the joint, providing protection without requiring direct intervention inside the joint capsule, thus simplifying the procedure and reducing recovery time.
3Reliability
If energy absorption devices are added to joints, then joint protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (energy absorption, dampening, and joint support) into a single integrated device structure. By combining spring-like elements with dampening systems in one cohesive assembly, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a single device that simultaneously provides structural support, energy absorption, and shock dampening. This universal approach protects the joint through multiple mechanisms without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby managing complexity while enhancing protection.
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
These devices effectively alleviate joint pain by absorbing and distributing energy, preserving joint motion and potentially slowing disease progression, with customizable energy absorption rates and non-invasive adjustability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing spring-like elements and dampening systems to reduce joint load and provide energy cushioning
Implementation Method 2
utilizing spring-like elements and dampening systems to reduce joint load and provide energy cushioning
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.