Segmented Hernia Patch Frame for Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hernia repair patches face challenges in delivery through small trocars due to size and are prone to stress-induced fractures from body motion and tissue integration, leading to potential frame breakage.

Innovation Solution

A hernia repair prosthesis with a segmented frame comprising a helical, hollow tubular metal strand and a solid metal strand, allowing telescopic movement to alleviate stress points, combined with a prosthetic fabric for attachment and integration into surrounding tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single strand closed loop wire frame is used, then the device can be delivered through a trocar, but the frame is prone to stress-induced fractures from body motion and tissue integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe fracture resistanceVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wire frame is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment is connected through flexible joints, allowing the frame to flex and adapt to body motion without transmitting stress that would cause fracture. This segmentation maintains the overall circular configuration while providing stress relief at each segment junction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame transitions from a rigid single-strand structure to a dynamic multi-segment structure that can flex and move with body motion. The flexible joints between segments allow the frame to adapt its shape and position, reducing stress concentration and preventing fracture while maintaining structural integrity during tissue integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If a multifilar cable of Nitinol strands is used, then the device becomes more compact for insertion, but the frame still experiences stress from body motion and flexures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactness for insertionVSAvoidframe stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The multifilar cable is segmented into distinct sections with flexible joints, allowing each segment to move independently. This maintains the compact rolled configuration for insertion while enabling the segments to flex and adapt to body motion, preventing stress-induced fracture through distributed movement rather than rigid resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure allows changes in geometric parameters such as segment spacing, joint flexibility, and strand configuration to optimize both compactness for insertion and stress resistance during use. By adjusting these parameters, the frame achieves a balance between delivering through small trocars and withstanding physiological stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the frame is made rigid for structural support, then it provides stable hernia repair, but it cannot accommodate body motion and tissue integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehernia repair stabilityVSAvoidframe flexibility for body motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid frame is segmented into multiple flexible sections connected by joints. Each segment maintains sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for hernia repair, while the joints between segments allow flexibility to accommodate body motion and tissue integration. This creates a frame that is both stable for repair and adaptable to physiological changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the frame have different mechanical properties: the segments themselves are relatively rigid to provide structural support, while the joints between segments are flexible to allow motion. This local differentiation of mechanical properties enables the frame to simultaneously provide stability for hernia repair and flexibility for body motion accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 segmented frame design enables easier delivery and reduces the risk of stress-induced fractures by allowing flexible movement, ensuring stable integration and effective hernia repair without adverse outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

opposed end portions of the second segment are inserted into opposed end portions of the first segment and are slidable therein... the frame segments are permitted to move telescopically with respect to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTelescopic movement:

Implementation Method 2

any stresses that might otherwise has been created in the frame are resolved in that the frame segments are permitted to move telescopically with respect to one another so that flexure of the frame at what would otherwise be a stress point is avoided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress relaxation: Stress Relaxation

Data Source

PatentUS9173731B2Segmented hernia patch frame

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 BROWN RODERICK B

AI summary

A hernia repair prosthesis comprises a segmented frame forming a closed loop where a first segment comprises a helical hollow tube and a second segment comprises a solid strand. Both segments are preferably a metal exhibiting shape memory properties and the two segments are assembled with end portions of the second segment inserted into the lumen at opposed end portions of the first segment with a clearance fit. A prosthetic fabric is attached to the segmented frame.