Modular Implant External Fixation Without Plasma Spray Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical prostheses face challenges in minimizing the size of the implant while ensuring effective fixation within the bone, often requiring complex manufacturing processes and coatings like plasma spray to enhance bone integration.
Innovation Solution
A modular implant system with external fixation elements, such as threads or ridges, that engage the bone to secure components within the intramedullary canal, allowing for reduced manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for plasma spray coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plasma spray coatings are used to enhance bone integration, then fixation reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the plasma spray coating layer from the implant design, extracting the problematic manufacturing step while retaining the essential fixation function through alternative means (mechanical engagement features such as threads and ridges that directly interface with bone tissue)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/biological fixation mechanism (plasma spray coating that promotes bone integration) with a mechanical fixation mechanism (threads, ridges, and external fixation elements that physically engage with bone), thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fixation reliability
2Ease of operation
If implant size is minimized, then ease of surgery is improved, but fixation strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fixation features (threads, ridges, external fixation elements) at specific locations along the implant body where they are most effective for bone engagement, allowing the overall implant size to remain minimized while providing concentrated fixation strength at critical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fixation mechanisms (internal threads, external fixation elements, and geometric features) into a single integrated implant structure, creating a composite fixation system that achieves high fixation strength in a compact form factor suitable for minimally invasive surgery
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 system provides enhanced fixation and integration of implant components within bone while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs, offering flexible installation methods.
Implementation Method 1
The body includes an external fixation element extending along a length of the first component. The external fixation element is configured to engage bone.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a body extending from a first end to a second end. The first end is a leading end, and the second end includes a first coupling element configured to couple the body to a first other component. The body includes an external fixation element extending along a length of the first component. The external fixation element is configured to engage bone. Systems and methods are also disclosed.