Reduced-friction joint with electromagnetically separable bearing surfaces
US9956080B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/3611
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The disclosure provides a joint replacement coupling comprising joint members with opposing joint surfaces, wherein one of the members has a magnetic portion therein which comprises an array of magnets, and the other of the members has a conduction portion therein that comprises a conductive surface. The magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field that contacts the conduction portion. The conduction portion is optionally positioned so that at least a portion of the conductive surface contacts the magnetic field so that relative motion between the opposing joint surfaces induces current loops in the conductive surface and produces a repulsive force against the magnetic portion, thereby reducing friction between the joint surfaces, optionally separating the joint surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.