Tibia Implant with Sponge Structure and Support Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tibial implants for tightening patellar ligaments are too filigree, unable to absorb forces, and poorly anchor to bone, leading to instability and quick deformation.
Innovation Solution
A tibial implant with a stable, open-pored sponge structure and a peripheral support frame, featuring a tapering vertical cross-section, fastening straps, and a three-dimensional lattice structure for enhanced rigidity and bone integration, made from materials like stainless steel or PEEK with hydroxyapatite coating for improved anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wire conductor track structure is used for the implant, then the implant is flexible and can be pushed into the incision, but it is too filigree and cannot absorb forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sponge structure with open pores as the core material of the implant. This porous structure provides both the necessary flexibility for insertion into the incision and sufficient strength to absorb forces. The open pores allow the material to be compressed during insertion while maintaining structural integrity, and the three-dimensional network provides force distribution capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant combines the sponge structure with a support frame made of different materials. This composite construction integrates the flexibility and force absorption of the sponge with the structural support and rigidity of the frame, resolving the contradiction between being filigree enough for insertion and strong enough for force absorption.
2Shape
If a wire conductor track structure is used for the implant, then the implant can be shaped, but it deforms very quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame provides a rigid structural framework that maintains the wedge shape of the implant, while the sponge structure fills the interior. This composite construction ensures the implant retains its shaped form and dimensional stability while still being insertable.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the implant have different structural properties: the support frame provides rigidity and shape maintenance at critical structural points, while the sponge structure provides flexibility and force absorption in the interior. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between shape and stability.
3Ease of operation
If the implant is made filigree for easy insertion, then it can be pushed into the incision, but it connects or anchors poorly with the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The open-pored sponge structure provides a three-dimensional network that allows bone tissue to grow into the implant structure, creating strong biological anchoring. The pores facilitate bone ingrowth while the overall structure remains flexible enough for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of sponge structure and support frame creates an implant that is both easy to insert and reliable for anchoring. The support frame provides initial mechanical stability and the sponge structure provides long-term biological integration through bone ingrowth.
4Strength
If a dense structure is used for the implant, then it can absorb forces, but it does not grow together well with the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The open-pored sponge structure provides channels and spaces that allow bone tissue to grow into the implant, facilitating bone integration. Despite the open pores, the three-dimensional network structure maintains sufficient strength for force absorption.
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 implant provides increased dimensional stability, absorbs high forces, and promotes better bone integration, allowing for effective tightening of patellar ligaments with optimal adjustment and rapid ingrowth.
Implementation Method 1
the implant is very stiff and dimensionally stable due to the sponge structure, which can have any pore size and is in particular open-pored, and can therefore absorb and support very high forces
Implementation Method 2
made from materials like stainless steel or PEEK with hydroxyapatite coating for improved anchoring
Data Source
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AI summary
The tibia implant (26) has a vertical cross section and a base plate (44) which carries a sponge structure. The vertical cross section tapers downwardly in the use position. The tibia has a vertical sectional surface and a vertical knee close incision with two sectional surfaces. The sponge structure is attached on the sides of the tibia. The side faces the sectional surfaces. The sponge structure has regular lattice structures in sections. The base plate is a part of a supporting frame (34) surrounding circumferentially the sponge structure. An independent claim is included for a method for manufacturing a tibia implant.