Magnetic Metatarsophalangeal Implant for Frictionless Joint Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacements for phalangeal and spinal discs suffer from frictional wear and loosening due to bearing surfaces rubbing against each other, leading to implant failure.
Innovation Solution
Magnetic joint implants using opposed magnets positioned on either side of the joint or disc to create a frictionless movement, reducing the likelihood of joint loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal, plastic, or silicone joint replacements are used, then bearing surfaces can be provided, but frictional rubbing occurs leading to wear particles and aseptic loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bearing surface contact system with a magnetic field-based suspension system. Magnets are positioned on both sides of the joint to create magnetic repulsion forces that levitate and suspend the joint components, eliminating direct mechanical contact and frictional wear between bearing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the opposing joint surfaces, transmitting forces without direct contact. The magnetic repulsion field mediates the interaction between the two sides of the joint, allowing force transmission while preventing mechanical wear.
2Ease of operation
If bearing surfaces are designed to oppose and rub against each other, then joint movement is enabled, but wear particles are generated causing implant failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical friction-based movement with magnetic field-based movement. The magnets create a contactless bearing system where joint components move relative to each other through the magnetic field without physical contact, eliminating wear particle generation while maintaining mobility.
3Reliability
If fusion is performed to treat phalangeal joints, then joint stability is achieved, but all motion of the joint is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that allows simultaneous stability and motion. The magnetic repulsion forces provide stable positioning and support while permitting controlled movement between joint surfaces, achieving both stability and mobility without fusion.
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 magnetic joint implants allow for free movement without frictional rubbing, thereby decreasing the likelihood of joint loosening and improving implant durability.
Implementation Method 1
The implant includes a first magnet and a second magnet configured such that the first magnet magnetically opposes the second magnet
Data Source
AI summary
One example embodiment is an apparatus comprising an implant for a metatarsal phalangeal joint, the implant including a first magnet and a second magnet configured such that the first magnet magnetically opposes the second magnet, wherein the first magnet is positioned on a phalanx side of the metatarsal phalangeal joint, and the second magnet is positioned on a metatarsal side of the metatarsal phalangeal joint.