TMJ Implant Surface Polishing and Additive Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temporomandibular joint implants are invasive and can cause complications such as wear and tear, infection, and abnormal stress on surrounding bone structures due to ill-fitting and incompatible materials, leading to pain and health issues.

Innovation Solution

Custom-made implants using biocompatible Titanium alloy and low-density polycarbonate materials, fabricated through Fused Deposition Modelling, with polished surfaces and designed components to reduce friction and infection risk, and ultrasonic welding for secure anchoring, matching the patient's unique anatomy for optimal load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard implants are used, then general joint replacement is achieved, but ill-fitting causes abnormal stress and damage to surrounding bone structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit accuracyVSAvoidabnormal stress on bone

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by creating custom 3D models of the patient's anatomy and using additive manufacturing to fabricate implants that precisely match the unique dimensions of the temporomandibular joint before implantation, ensuring optimal fit and load distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the implant by customizing its geometric dimensions, shape, and orientation to match the patient's specific anatomy, transforming a standard implant into a patient-specific implant that eliminates abnormal stress concentrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If biocompatible materials are used in powdered form, then material compatibility is improved, but improper consolidation causes infection and blood contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the biocompatible material from powdered form to a consolidated solid structure through additive manufacturing processes, maintaining biocompatibility while eliminating the infection and contamination risks associated with loose powder particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical consolidation methods with additive manufacturing technology, which builds the implant layer-by-layer from biocompatible materials, ensuring complete consolidation without the risks of powder handling and contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If implants are made with standard materials, then manufacturing is simplified, but material incompatibility causes allergic reactions and health complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidallergic reaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material selection parameters by choosing specific biocompatible materials (such as medical-grade titanium or biocompatible polymers) that are compatible with human tissue, eliminating allergic reactions while maintaining ease of manufacture through established additive manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 custom-made implants provide improved fit and reduced friction, minimizing complications like infection and stress on surrounding bone structures, ensuring better functionality and safety for the temporomandibular joint.

Implementation Method 1

the condyle surface polished to generate a mirror effect to reduce the friction in the implantable device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface polishing:

Implementation Method 2

The fossa component is configured to be bonded with ultrasonic welding into the glenoid fossa component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11351033B2Implantable device for temporomandibular joint and method of production thereof

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 CHARY MANMADHA A

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an implantable device for complete replacement of temporomandibular joint comprising of a condyle component to reconstruct a mandibular end of the temporomandibular joint designed for movement within the implantable device with a plate; and a condyle surface where the plate is configured to mechanically secure the condyle component to a ramus surface of a patient undergoing implant with the aid of screws; and the condyle surface polished to generate a mirror effect to reduce the friction in the implantable device and infection rate; a zygomatic arch component to reconstruct a temporal bone (glenoid fossa) of the temporomandibular joint comprising at least one of: a plate; a plurality of multiple threaded counter sink holes; a plurality of conically tapered holes and a zygomatic arch surface, whereby the multiple threaded counter sink holes are structured within the plate; and a fossa component configured to be positioned between the condyle component and the zygomatic arch component to anchor the movement of the temporomandibular joint and the fossa component comprising of a low density biocompatible material made of a polycarbonate which is utilized in the additive manufacturing for the synthesis of implantable device for temporomandibular joint.