Ligament Assembly With Resilient Element For Joint Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial ligaments fail to replicate the natural kinematics and stiffness of human ligaments, leading to abnormal joint movement and increased risk of dislocation in joint replacement surgeries, especially in cases where surrounding bone tissue is damaged or diseased.
Innovation Solution
A ligament assembly comprising a ligament anchor with a resilient element and a tension adjuster, which includes a carrier element and a shoulder to prevent ligament abrasion, allowing for adjustable tension and mimicking the stiffness of natural ligaments, thereby enhancing joint stability and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional artificial ligaments are used to replace natural ligaments, then the ligament can be attached to bone tissue, but the joint kinematics and stiffness cannot be replicated, leading to abnormal joint movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the stiffness characteristic of the artificial ligament through the resilient element. The resilient element is configured to have a stiffness that matches or approximates the stiffness of the natural ligament being replaced, thereby replicating the natural kinematics and joint movement characteristics while maintaining stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If artificial ligaments with uniform structure are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but they fail to match the high strength, toughness and resilience of natural ligaments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the artificial ligament (formed from artificial fibres) with a resilient element that has matching stiffness characteristics. This composite structure allows the ligament to achieve the high strength, toughness, and resilience of natural ligaments while maintaining manufacturability through the modular design of the resilient element as a separate component.
3Loss of energy
If mobile bearing components are used to replicate natural knee kinematics, then wear characteristics improve, but the risk of dislocation increases when ligaments are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the resilient element - that mediates between the mobile bearing component and the ligament. This resilient element provides the necessary stiffness and stability to prevent dislocation while allowing the mobile bearing to maintain its wear-resistant characteristics, effectively decoupling the two functions.
4Strength
If the ligament anchor squeezes or clamps the ligament for secure attachment, then fixation is improved, but the ligament is abraded or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the contact interface between the ligament anchor and ligament. The resilient element is configured with appropriate dimensions and material properties that allow secure fixation without excessive compression, thereby preventing abrasion and damage to the ligament while maintaining strong attachment.
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 improves joint kinematics by matching the physiological stiffness of natural ligaments, reducing excessive load on artificial ligaments, and allowing for balanced tension with other soft tissues, facilitating easier implantation and reducing inventory requirements for artificial ligaments.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element configured to be at least partially disposed within the carrier element, the resilient element including a passage extending therethrough
Data Source
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AI summary
A ligament assembly comprising a first ligament anchor (9) connected to a second ligament anchor (14) by a ligament (18) a resilient element (40) being associated with the first ligament anchor (9) and a ligament tension adjuster (44, 50) being associated with the second ligament anchor (14). The resilient element (40) may be disposed within the first ligament anchor (9) and the ligament tension adjuster (44, 50) may be disposed within the second ligament anchor (14).