Self-compressing Implant with Nested Resilient Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fusion implants face challenges such as requiring over-distraction of bone joints, providing inadequate compressive forces, being cumbersome, and causing additional trauma by penetrating non-fusion surfaces, leading to unsightly protuberances and inefficient fusion processes.
Innovation Solution
A two-part implant system with a male and female component, where the female component has resilient members that apply compressive force to the male component, allowing for easy implantation without over-distracting bone segments and providing continuous compression between bone surfaces, facilitating fusion without penetrating additional bone surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If monolithic implants with barbs and arrowheads are used to join bone surfaces, then the implant provides stability between bone segments, but the joint must be over-distracted to insert the implant and additional bone surfaces are penetrated causing trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple components: a first implant component with compression features and a second implant component. This segmentation allows the compression function to be integrated into the implant structure itself, eliminating the need to over-distract the joint for insertion while providing stability through the multi-component configuration that engages only the intended bone surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines compression features directly into the first implant component, merging the compression function with the structural element. This integration allows the implant to provide both stability and compression simultaneously without requiring separate mechanisms or additional bone penetration, thus reducing trauma while maintaining effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If monolithic implants are used to join bone surfaces, then the implant structure is simple, but the implant provides no compressive forces to keep bone surfaces in contact during fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges compression features into the first implant component, combining structural support and compression functions in a single integrated element. This approach maintains relative simplicity while delivering the necessary compressive forces to keep bone surfaces in contact during fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The second implant component is received within the first implant component, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the compression features to be activated through the interaction between components, providing compressive forces without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
3Force
If multi-component implants are used to provide compression, then compressive forces can be applied to bone surfaces, but the implantation process is cumbersome and additional bone surfaces are penetrated
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into two components with distinct functions: the first component provides compression features, and the second component is received within it. This segmentation enables compression to be applied through a controlled insertion process that does not require over-distraction or penetration of additional bone surfaces, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration where the second component is received within the first allows for a streamlined implantation process. The components are assembled in a predetermined manner that eliminates the need for complex manipulation or additional bone penetration, making the procedure less cumbersome while maintaining the ability to provide compressive forces.
4Force
If multi-component implants are used to provide compression, then compressive forces can be applied, but components remain outside bones after implantation causing unsightly protuberances
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration ensures that the second implant component is received within the first component, with the compression features contained within the first component's structure. This arrangement keeps all implant components fully contained within the bone surfaces after implantation, eliminating external protuberances and improving the appearance at the surgical site while maintaining compressive force application.
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
Enables quick and easy implantation with reduced need for precision, providing continuous compressive forces that enhance bone fusion without additional trauma, allowing for effective stabilization and fusion of bone segments.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member, the resilient member applying a force on the smaller portion of the male trailing end when the smaller portion of the male trailing end is within the larger portion of the female trailing end such that the force causes the smaller portion of the male trailing end to move deeper into the larger portion of the female trailing end
Data Source
AI summary
A two-part implant insertable in two bone segments that are intended to be fused together, wherein the implant provides built-in axial compressive forces that aid in maintaining the two bone segments in compression against each other so as to facilitate fusion.