Patella Anchor Sideways Pressure for Malpositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for mitigating patellar drift, instability, and malpositioning are inadequate in providing effective, adjustable, and non-interfering solutions for patellar pain and malpositioning.
Innovation Solution
A patellar anchor device that applies sideways pressure to the perimeter edge of the patella through tissue coverage, with a controlling member to adjust and maintain the pressure, allowing for control and adjustment during intervention without interfering with clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional patellar bracing is used, then patellar stability is improved, but device complexity and interference with clothing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of patellar stabilization from complex traditional braces, isolating it to a simple anchor element that applies force directly to the patella through tissue, eliminating the need for bulky structural components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tissue (skin and subcutaneous tissue) as an intermediary medium to transmit stabilizing forces to the patella, replacing rigid mechanical structures with a soft tissue-based force transmission system
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable patellar bracing is used, then treatment adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables treatment adaptability through simple parameter changes in the anchor design (size, shape, placement) rather than complex adjustable mechanisms, allowing customization while maintaining ease of application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the treatment system to be self-adjusting through tissue elasticity and anchor placement, eliminating the need for complex user-adjustable mechanisms while maintaining adaptability to individual patient needs
3Reliability
If firm patellar anchoring is used, then patellar position control is improved, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the flexible tissue membrane (skin and subcutaneous tissue) as the anchoring medium, allowing firm patellar control through distributed soft tissue forces rather than concentrated rigid pressure points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies anchoring forces locally at specific tissue locations surrounding the patella, concentrating control where needed while distributing pressure to avoid damage, creating different mechanical properties in different regions
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods of use are provided. A patella anchor includes a firm rod member that is dimensioned and configured to trace and apply sideways pressure to a perimeter edge of a human patella in a direction parallel to a central plane of the patella. The pressure is applied via portions of tissue covering and proximate to the same perimeter edge. The perimeter edge may include a lateral, medial, top, or bottom edge of the patella. The patella anchor may further include a firm pad dimensioned and configured to apply posterior pressure to a central anterior portion of the patella in a direction toward a posterior position in relation to the anterior surface of the patella. The posterior pressure is applied via portions of the tissue covering the central anterior portion of the patella. A carrying web is provided which is configured to carry the patella anchor. At least one controlling member is provided, which is configured to apply at least one mitigating force vector to the patella anchor. The controlling member or members may include a push type of support configured to push the patella anchor into the perimeter edge. The controlling member or members may comprise a pull type of support configured to support a controlling member configured to pull the patella anchor into the perimeter edge.