Skiv Receives USPTO Approval for Sliding Fastening Technology in Artificial Knee Joints...Diversifying Core Design Technologies

Skiv, a company specializing in orthopedic medical devices and digital healthcare, announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its fastening structure technology, in which the tibial component and bearing component of an artificial knee joint are assembled through a sliding method.

This technology is characterized by a design in which multiple protrusions placed on the upper part of the tibial component, grooves on the bottom of the bearing component, and a coupling guide structure are used so that the bearing moves in a predetermined direction and is fixed in the final position. The key feature is that, rather than using strong force during assembly, the components can be joined through a sliding motion.

Specifically, the first protrusion applies a dovetail-shaped cross-sectional structure to ensure fixation after assembly, while the second protrusion uses an inclined surface structure to enable the bearing to move along the guide. The front end of the bearing temporarily lifts in the final stage of assembly and then settles back into the designated position to be fixed by a locking structure.

The artificial knee joint is structured to provide a cushioning function between joints by coupling the bearing component on top of the tibial component, and the fastening method that connects these two parts is a key design element that can affect ease of manipulation during surgery and post-surgical stability. Conventional artificial knee joints have utilized various types of fastening methods, such as hook, pin, and dovetail structures.

Among these, the dovetail method is highly stable after assembly, but generally requires greater force to fasten or separate components. Skiv’s new technology leverages the fixation strengths of the dovetail structure while applying sliding and guide structures to reduce the force needed for both assembly and separation.

The direction of load that occurs during walking was also reflected in the design. While conventional dovetail methods usually involve fastening the bearing by moving it from front to back, during actual walking the force may act in the opposite direction. The new sliding fastening structure incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent the bearing from moving or separating even in situations where such loads are applied.

Skiv is expanding its design approach by integrating both convenience in the fastening process and post-surgical stability within a single structure, rather than viewing them as independent elements.

This Notice of Allowance is also significant in that it adopts a different fastening principle from the “elastic deformation coupling structure” and “Air Gap” patents acquired in the United States in January. Whereas the previous technologies generated fastening force by using the elastic deformation of the bearing’s protrusions, this new technology establishes fastening through a sliding path created by the protrusions, grooves, and guide.

As a result, Skiv continues to build a diversified intellectual property portfolio by securing rights to technologies that employ different mechanisms for the same fastening structure area of artificial knee joints. Rather than focusing on a single fastening principle, the company is accumulating various technologies that take into account the characteristics of each structure and usage environment.

A Skiv representative stated, “This patent implements a fastening mechanism through a different method than the previously acquired elastic deformation coupling structure patent,” and added, “We are continuously diversifying our intellectual property related to core artificial joint design technologies.”

The representative continued, “Going forward, we plan to continue research and development, as well as patent acquisition, across all related technologies, including artificial joint implants, patient-customized surgical instruments, and AR-based surgical navigation systems.”

Meanwhile, Skiv plans to promote the regulatory approval and commercialization process for domestic and international market entry, based on its artificial knee joint technologies and intellectual property, including the new sliding fastening structure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.