Knee Decompression Apparatus for Intra-Articular Space Widening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional treatments for knee and joint ailments, such as arthritis and meniscus tears, often require invasive and time-consuming methods that do not effectively address the underlying issues, as they primarily focus on pain alleviation or removal rather than promoting healing or correction of affected areas.

Innovation Solution

A knee decompression apparatus that includes a bolster positioned near the popliteal fossa to restrict normal pivoting of the leg, thereby increasing the intra-articular space, facilitating healing and pain relief by allowing for the flattening of meniscus tears and stretching of surrounding tendons, and is adjustable to fit various sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional treatments (medication, physical therapy, surgery) are used to alleviate joint pain, then pain relief may be achieved, but the treatments are intrusive, time-consuming, and ultimately ineffective at promoting actual healing or correction of the affected joint areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidtime required for treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional medical treatments (medication, physical therapy, surgery) with a mechanical decompression apparatus that uses controlled mechanical forces to widen intra-articular space and promote natural healing of joint structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus enables the joint to heal itself by creating optimal mechanical conditions (increased intra-articular space) that allow natural repair processes to occur without invasive medical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If braces or splints are used to stabilize joints and restrict movement, then joint stability is improved, but the devices merely assist healing by stabilization rather than actively contributing to therapeutic care or healing of the ailing joint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidtherapeutic effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of restricting joint movement to provide stability (conventional approach), the apparatus inverts the approach by using controlled mechanical forces to actively widen intra-articular space, transforming a passive stabilization device into an active therapeutic tool that promotes healing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single bolster design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the apparatus cannot accommodate various body and joint shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with various joint shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bolster is designed with inflatable chambers that allow its shape and size to be dynamically adjusted to match different joint geometries, enabling a single bolster design to accommodate various body and joint shapes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9241821B2Joint decompression devices

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 GD ORTHO

AI summary

An apparatus for treating a human knee, such as a knee decompression apparatus or device, is described. In some examples, the apparatus includes a bolster, one or more support bars configured to place the bolster proximate to the popliteal fossa of the knee, and one or more straps or other attachment devices configured to removably attach the apparatus to the knee (or, area of the leg that includes the knee) of a patient.