ADJUSTABLE ABSORBER DESIGNS FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICE
A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.
1 . An implantable system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint, comprising:
a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint;
a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint; and
an adjustable energy manipulation device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, the adjustable energy manipulation device includes an energy manipulating component formed from an elastomeric component.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the energy manipulating component is formed from one or more of a thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, silicone foam or a small pore sponge.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the energy manipulating component is configured to perform as a dashpot.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the energy manipulating component includes a shock absorbing component.
5 . An implantable system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint, comprising:
a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint;
a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint; and
an adjustable energy manipulation device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, the adjustable energy manipulation device includes a machined spring.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the machined spring carries varying degrees of forces as a function of its compression.
7 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the machined spring carries variable forces as a function of movement of the first and second members of the joint.
8 . An implantable system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint, comprising:
a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint;
a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint; and
an adjustable energy manipulation device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, the adjustable energy manipulation device includes a feedback system indicating movement of components of the energy manipulation device.
9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the feedback system generates sound.
10 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the feedback system provides an operator with a tactile response.
11 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the feedback system is responsive to unlocking the energy manipulation device.
12 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the feedback system is responsive to adjustment of the energy manipulation device.
13 . An implantable system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint, comprising:
a first attachment structure configured to be implanted on a first member of the joint;
a second attachment structure configured to be implanted on a second member of the joint; and
an adjustable energy manipulation device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, the adjustable energy manipulation device including a first activation assembly and a second activation assembly.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the first activation assembly unlocks the adjustable energy manipulation device.
15 . The system of claim 13 , wherein activating the second activation assembly permits adjustment of the adjustable energy manipulation device.
16 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the first activation assembly is embodied in a pivotable switch assembly including a switch configured with a terminal end including a slot.
17 . The system of claim 16 , wherein the second activation assembly includes a pair of adjacently arranged plates configured to side laterally with respect to each other, each of the plates including a curved wing extending longitudinally along the system.
18 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the second activation assembly further includes a U-spring which includes spaced members which extend through both of the plates.
19 . The system of claim 18 , wherein one of the spaced members is received in the slot formed in the switch, such that bending of the U-spring is prohibited by an engagement between the switch and the U-spring.
20 . The system of claim 19 , wherein activation of the switch releases the U-spring from the slot which permits the U-spring to bend and the plates to slide laterally with respect to each other.