Knee Endoprosthesis Meniscus Reinforcement

Solution Overview

Problem

Knee-joint endoprostheses face challenges in achieving reliable form-fitting fixation of the meniscus component to the tibia component while maintaining compact dimensions and conventional material pairings, with existing solutions often requiring larger dimensions or stronger materials for mechanical reinforcement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reinforcement element into the meniscus component, specifically designed to mechanically reinforce the form-fitting connection between the tibia and meniscus components, without altering the dimensions or materials of the form-fitting sections, thereby enhancing the mechanical load-bearing capacity and allowing for non-releasable snap-fit connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the form-fitting connection is made larger or made from stronger materials to achieve mechanical reinforcement, then the strength and reliability of the connection is improved, but the dimensions of the components increase and/or material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical load-bearing capacity of form-fitting connectionVSAvoiddimensions of form-fitting sections

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement function is segmented from the main form-fitting connection structure. Instead of making the entire form-fitting section larger or stronger, a separate reinforcement element is introduced that can be inserted into the meniscus component to provide localized strengthening at the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reinforcement element acts as an intermediary component between the tibia component and meniscus component. This intermediary element provides the additional mechanical strength needed for the form-fitting connection without requiring changes to the primary components' dimensions or materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the form-fitting connection is made larger or made from stronger materials to achieve mechanical reinforcement, then the strength and reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical load-bearing capacity of form-fitting connectionVSAvoidstructural complexity of form-fitting connection

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement function is segmented from the main form-fitting connection structure. Instead of making the entire form-fitting section larger or stronger, a separate reinforcement element is introduced that can be inserted into the meniscus component to provide localized strengthening at the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement element is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and inserted. It provides the necessary mechanical reinforcement without adding significant complexity to the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a form-fitting connection is provided between tibia component and meniscus component, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliability of meniscus component to tibia componentVSAvoidprecision of form-fitting connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement element is pre-inserted into the meniscus component before assembly with the tibia component. This preliminary action ensures that the reinforcement is already in place to guide and support the form-fitting connection during assembly, reducing the precision requirements for the final assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement element acts as an intermediary that provides mechanical support and guidance during the assembly process. It helps to align and stabilize the form-fitting connection, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240245520A1Knee-joint endoprosthesis

Publication Date: 2024.07.25 AESCULAP AG

AI summary

A knee-joint endoprosthesis includes a tibia component for proximal fixation to a tibia. The tibia component has a form-fitting section arranged on an upper face. The endoprosthesis also has a meniscus component configured to articulate with a femoral joint component. The meniscus component has a complementary form-fitting section arranged on a lower face. The tibia component and the meniscus component are joined together by a form-fitting connection formed between the form-fitting section and the complementary form-fitting section. At least one reinforcement element is inserted into the meniscus component and is configured to mechanically reinforce the form-fitting joint connection. The reinforcing element is arranged in the region of the complementary form-fitting section.