Resilient Crest SI Joint Device for Ligament Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment devices for sacroiliac joint hypomobility lack efficiency in directly engaging and releasing the hypomobile SI joint, leading to reduced mobility and associated pain.
Innovation Solution
A SI joint device with a resilient crest that can deform to pry open the joint, optionally combined with a vibration actuator, is positioned to align with the SI joint, allowing for the release of ligaments and facilitating rotational and gliding movements by applying a load and rocking motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a treatment device engages directly with the hypomobile SI joint to release ligaments and improve mobility, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for resilient crests and vibration actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a resilient crest for mechanical engagement with the SI joint, a vibration actuator for oscillating movements, and a positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a vibration actuator that generates oscillating movements to facilitate ligament release and improve SI joint mobility. The mechanical vibration helps break adhesions and restore normal joint movement patterns, enhancing treatment effectiveness without requiring complex surgical interventions.
2Ease of operation
If the resilient crest is designed to deform towards the lateral end when subjected to load, then the device can effectively pry open the SI joint, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient crest is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow it to deform in a controlled manner when loaded. By carefully selecting the material modulus, crest height, and base width, the device achieves the desired prying action without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The deformation behavior is predictable and can be adjusted by modifying these parameters.
3Strength
If the device includes both a rigid protrusion and resilient cover to define the crest, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crest is formed by combining a rigid protrusion (providing structural strength and shape) with a resilient cover (providing flexibility and compliance). This composite structure allows the device to withstand the forces required to pry open the SI joint while still deforming in a controlled manner. The rigid cover provides structural strength and shape definition, while the resilient material allows controlled deformation during operation.
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 device effectively releases tension in the SI joint and surrounding ligaments, improving mobility and reducing pain by manipulating mechanoreceptors and reducing ligament tension, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes for SI joint hypomobility.
Implementation Method 1
The SI joint device further includes a vibration actuator, and using the SI joint device to pry open the SI joint further involves vibrating the SI joint device
Implementation Method 2
The resilient crest is configured to deform towards the ilium as the resilient crest pries open the SI joint
Data Source
AI summary
Treatment devices for sacroiliac (SI) joint hypomobility are described herein. In one example, a method of treating SI joint hypomobility involves positioning a person relative to a SI joint device that includes a resilient crest. Positioning the person relative to the SI joint device can involve aligning the resilient crest along the SI joint underneath the person. The method can also include using the SI joint device to pry open the SI joint. In another example, an SI joint device includes a body extending between a medial end and a lateral end, and the body includes a rigid protrusion. The SI joint device can also include a resilient cover extending over the rigid protrusion. The rigid protrusion and the resilient cover can define a crest for prying open the SI joint. The crest can include a concavity oriented towards the lateral end of the body, and the crest can deform towards the lateral end of the body when subjected to a load on a top of the crest.