Smith & Nephew has been granted a patent for a method of manufacturing orthopedic devices. The process involves creating a porous structure, mechanically deforming it to reduce porosity, and then infiltrating a polymeric composition to form a molded part, ensuring secure attachment for enhanced performance. GlobalData’s report on Smith & Nephew gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Smith & Nephew, Glucose monitoring wearbles was a key innovation area identified from patents. Smith & Nephew's grant share as of June 2024 was 51%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Orthopedic device manufacturing using porous structure deformation
The patent US12042966B2 outlines a method for manufacturing orthopedic devices through a multi-step process that begins with creating an initial part featuring a porous portion. This initial part undergoes mechanical deformation to produce a deformed part with a reduced porosity characteristic. The method involves placing the deformed part into a mold cavity, where a polymeric composition is infiltrated into the pores of the deformed layer. This infiltration secures an attached part to the deformed part, resulting in a molded orthopedic device. The claims also specify that the initial part can be produced using additive manufacturing techniques, which include building the part layer by layer and relieving stresses while still attached to a build plate.
Further claims detail the characteristics of the porous layers, including the average pore sizes and the relationship between the initial and reduced porosity characteristics. The method allows for the creation of a smooth surface on the orthopedic device, achieved by solidifying the liquid polymeric composition within the deformed layer's pores. The claims emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate porosity characteristics based on desired outcomes for the orthopedic device, including considerations of powder and melt pool diameters. Additionally, the method includes steps for finishing the device, ensuring that it features a porous region suitable for tissue interaction, thereby enhancing its functionality in medical applications.
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