Meniscus Hoop Stress Support Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies for restoring a torn meniscus often result in permanent changes to its position, leading to deviation and degenerative arthritis, as they struggle to effectively support hoop stress and maintain the meniscus's anatomical position.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an intermediate support member that surrounds the meniscus, connected to side extension members fixed to the tibia through tunnels, to stabilize and prevent deviation by applying tension and maintaining the meniscus's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical restoration using sutures is performed to restore the torn meniscus, then the torn meniscus can be restored, but it causes permanent change in position of the meniscus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration of torn meniscusVSAvoidposition of meniscus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple segments: an intermediate support member that contacts the meniscus and two extension members that extend to the tibial surface. This segmentation allows the restoration function to be separated from the fixation function, enabling the meniscus to be restored without permanent positional change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate support member acts as an intermediary between the meniscus and the extension members. It provides temporary support to the torn meniscus during healing, allowing the meniscus to maintain its anatomical position while being restored, and then can be removed without causing permanent displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If existing suturing devices are used to restore the meniscus, then the torn surface can be sutured, but the device cannot effectively support hoop stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuturing capabilityVSAvoidhoop stress support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a two-dimensional suture plan to a three-dimensional structure with an intermediate support member that wraps around the meniscus and extension members that anchor to the tibia. This dimensional change enables the device to support hoop stress by distributing forces across multiple spatial dimensions rather than relying solely on suture tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Force

If the meniscus is allowed to deviate from normal position due to hoop stress, then the natural stress distribution occurs, but it causes impingement and wear of articular cartilage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehoop stress distributionVSAvoidcartilage wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies preliminary counter-action to the hoop stress that would otherwise cause meniscus deviation. By providing opposing support forces through the intermediate support member and extension members, the device prevents the meniscus from moving into positions that would cause cartilage impingement and wear, while still allowing physiological stress distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11000383B2Device for supporting hoop stress of meniscus

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 AJOU UNIV IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for supporting hoop stress applied to a meniscus and preventing deviation of the meniscus, and the device for supporting hoop stress applied to a meniscus and preventing deviation of the meniscus may include an intermediate support member, one side extension member, and the other side extension member.