Strain-Sensitive Hip Prosthesis Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hip joint prostheses often experience complications such as dislocation and loosening due to abnormal strain, which can be induced by movements like falling, leading to increased risk of the prosthesis loosening from its fixation in the femoral bone, necessitating a solution to enhance stability and reduce surgical complications.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a ball-shaped piece and a bowl-shaped piece with a releasing member that changes states from a fixed to a released position when a pre-determined strain is applied, allowing for non-invasive adjustment and reattachment without surgical intervention, utilizing elastic, flexible, or magnetic components to secure and release the pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a completely fixed hip joint prosthesis is used to prevent dislocation, then dislocation risk is reduced, but the risk of prosthesis loosening from femoral bone fixation increases due to entire strain being placed on the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states based on strain conditions. The prosthesis includes a strain-sensitive element that automatically unlocks when abnormal strain exceeds a threshold, allowing controlled dislocation to protect the femoral bone, and can be重新locked by the patient or physician. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by preventing dislocation under normal conditions while allowing it under abnormal strain to prevent loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the locking mechanism from static to strain-dependent. The locking strength varies based on the strain applied to the prosthesis, with normal physiological strains maintaining the locked state and abnormal strains triggering unlocking. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different loading conditions, preventing both dislocation and loosening.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed hip joint prosthesis is used to maintain joint stability, then joint stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate abnormal strain without loosening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic locking mechanism allows the prosthesis to maintain stability under normal conditions while automatically adapting to abnormal strain conditions. The strain-sensitive element detects excessive force and triggers unlocking, allowing the joint to dislocate and thereby protecting the prosthesis-bone interface from damaging loads that would cause loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a protective mechanism that anticipates abnormal strain conditions. The strain-sensitive locking mechanism is designed to fail safely by unlocking before the excessive strain can transmit damaging forces to the prosthesis fixation in the femoral bone, thereby cushioning the system against potential loosening.
3Ease of operation
If traditional hip joint surgery with penetration of Fibrous Capsule is performed to access the joint, then access to the joint is achieved, but the ability to achieve fully functional joint after surgery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the prosthesis into modular components including the ball-shaped femoral component, bowl-shaped acetabular component, and integrated strain-sensitive locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for minimally invasive insertion through small incisions while maintaining the integrity of the Fibrous Capsule, thereby preserving joint functionality and reducing surgical trauma.
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 solution provides a stable artificial hip joint that can self-adjust and reattach without surgery, reducing the risk of prosthesis loosening and dislocation, thereby improving patient recovery and reducing the risk of bone fracture.
Implementation Method 1
The releasing member is adapted to change from the first state to the second state when a pre-determined strain is placed on the releasing member
Implementation Method 2
utilizing elastic, flexible, or magnetic components to secure and release the pieces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of installing a medical device for reducing the risk of permanent damage to a hip joint of a human patient, said method comprising the steps of: exposing the hip joint through a surgical or arthroscopic procedure, fixating a first piece of said medical device to the femoral bone, fixating a second piece of said medical device to the pelvic bone, placing said first piece in connection with said second piece, holding said first piece to said second piece using a releasing member, and releasing said first piece from said second piece when a pre-determined strain is placed on said releasing member.