Non-linear Artificial Ligament System for Spinal Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial ligaments for spinal and other joint replacements lack the non-linear force-displacement relationship and large motion capabilities of natural ligaments, often requiring extensive ligament removal and providing insufficient motion.
Innovation Solution
An artificial ligament system with a closed loop configuration, utilizing high-strength, low-stretch fibers, and adjustable connection members to mimic the non-linear force-displacement relationship of natural ligaments, allowing for large motion while maintaining stability, and can be integrated with artificial joint prostheses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current artificial ligaments are used, then pain is relieved, but motion is reduced and extensive ligament removal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the ligament system by using a closed-loop configuration with adjustable connection members, allowing the ligament to exhibit non-linear force-displacement characteristics while maintaining large motion capability. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both pain relief (through functional restoration) and motion preservation simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial ligament system incorporates dynamic elements through adjustable connection members that can be positioned at different locations along the ligament, allowing the system to adapt to different motion requirements. This dynamic adjustability enables the ligament to provide both stability for pain relief and sufficient motion for joint function
2Strength
If high strength low stretch fibers are used, then strength is improved, but motion capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ligament system into multiple components including connection members with specific seating regions and contact regions. This segmentation allows the high-strength fibers to be distributed throughout the system, providing strength where needed while the geometric configuration and contact regions enable large motion capability through controlled sliding and articulation
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop configuration introduces a dimensional aspect where the ligament can slide along the connection members and articulate in multiple directions. This multi-dimensional motion capability allows the system to achieve large range of motion while the high-strength fibers maintain structural integrity through their distributed arrangement in the loop
3Reliability
If natural ligament properties are replicated, then non-linear force-displacement relationship is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop ligament system with adjustable connection members creates a self-regulating mechanism where the geometry of the loop and the positioning of connection members automatically generate the non-linear force-displacement relationship. The system self-adjusts based on the relative positions of connection members, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving natural ligament behavior
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and devices for ligament replacement in the human body, and in particular, the spine are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a ligament replacement system is provided that has an artificial ligament configured in the form of a closed loop. The artificial ligament is adapted to be coupled between the ligament seating regions of first and second connection members in a connection geometry that results in the artificial ligament having a large motion with a non-linear relationship between the force and displacement, similar to that of a natural ligament.