Artificial Knee Bearing Locking Structure for Stable Low-Force Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for artificial knee joints, such as hook, pin, and dovetail types, face issues with stability after fastening, difficulty in separation during reoperation, and require excessive force during assembly, posing risks and complications in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bearing component with elastically deformable coupling protrusions that engage with the tibial component using a dovetail shape, allowing for stable coupling and easy separation with minimal force, eliminating the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a dovetail-shaped locking mechanism is used to fix the bearing component to the tibial component, then stability after fastening is improved, but excessive force is required during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple coupling protrusions (first, second, and third coupling protrusions) distributed at different locations and orientations on the bearing component. This segmentation allows the locking force to be distributed across multiple contact points with the tibial component, achieving stable fixation without requiring excessive assembly force.
2Ease of operation
If a hook-type locking mechanism is used, then ease of fastening is improved, but stability after fastening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling protrusions are designed with asymmetric geometries and are positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right sides) of the bearing component. The first coupling protrusion has a different configuration from the second and third coupling protrusions, creating an asymmetric locking pattern that provides both ease of fastening and high stability after assembly.
3Ease of repair
If a pin-type locking mechanism is used, then ease of separation is improved, but stability after fastening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static, rigid connection to a dynamic system where the coupling protrusions can elastically deform during assembly and separation. The bearing component can be easily separated by applying force to deform the coupling protrusions, while maintaining stable locking during normal operation when the protrusions are in their undeformed state.
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 solution provides high stability during assembly, reduces the risk of bone damage during surgery, simplifies reoperation by enabling easy separation, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling protrusions (250) are elastically deformed when engaged with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a bearing component for an artificial knee joint, the bearing component including a body part, whose plane shape is oval, having an indentation portion formed by depressing a posterior center to a predetermined depth toward a center of the body part, a protruding portion protruding from an upper surface of the body part and introduced into an opening of a femoral component, a coupling portion provided on a lower surface of the body part, and having an engagement surface of a certain height to form a step difference with an outer circumferential surface of the body part, the engagement surface being formed on left and right sides of the coupling portion, and being not formed on an indentation surface, and a fastening portion having a plurality of coupling protrusions formed in a portion where the engagement surface of the coupling portion is not formed.