Biocompatible Electrode Assembly for Orthopedic Implant Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional procedures for placing smart components such as sensors and actuators in orthopedic implants are cumbersome and invasive.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly comprising a first housing with at least one electrode and a control module, both made of biocompatible materials, is designed to complement orthopedic implants, allowing for efficient integration and transmission of measurement and stimulation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional procedures are used to place smart components in orthopedic implants, then the implant can provide sensing and stimulation functions, but the surgical procedure becomes cumbersome and unnecessarily invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode assembly with the orthopedic implant body into a single integrated unit. The electrode assembly is designed to be pre-mounted on the implant body, eliminating the need for separate surgical placement of electrodes. This merging of components directly reduces surgical complexity and invasiveness while maintaining the sensing and stimulation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is pre-assembled and prepared before the surgical procedure. The housing containing electrodes is pre-positioned on the implant body during manufacturing, so that during surgery, only the complete assembly needs to be implanted rather than placing individual electrodes during the procedure. This preliminary assembly action reduces the time and complexity of the surgical operation.
2Reliability
If conventional procedures are used to place smart components in orthopedic implants, then the implant can provide sensing and stimulation functions, but the surgical procedure becomes unnecessarily invasive
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the electrode assembly with the implant body as a single unit, the patent reduces the number of separate surgical interventions needed. The combined assembly is implanted in one procedure rather than requiring separate steps for placing electrodes and implant components, thereby reducing overall surgical invasiveness while preserving sensing and stimulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode housing is designed with a flexible insulative section that can conform to the implant body's geometry. This flexibility allows the assembly to be implanted as a single integrated unit without requiring complex surgical manipulation or multiple invasive steps to position individual components, reducing the harmful effects of surgical invasiveness.
3Strength
If a rigid housing is used for the electrode assembly, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the assembly cannot complement the contour of the orthopedic implant
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two distinct sections: a rigid section that maintains structural integrity and protects the electrodes, and a flexible insulative section that can conform to the implant body's contour. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the rigid section provides strength while the flexible section provides adaptability to the implant's shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is constructed using composite materials or combinations of rigid and flexible materials. The rigid section can be made from materials like PEEK or metal for strength, while the insulative section uses flexible materials like silicone or TPU to conform to contours. This composite construction resolves the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and achieving contour compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include orthopedic implants and related electrode assemblies. In a particular implementation, an electrode assembly includes: a first housing containing at least one electrode; and a control module with a first connector for mating with a complementary connector on the first housing, the control module including a controller programmed to initiate transmission of at least one of a measurement pattern or a stimulation pattern to a patient with the at least one electrode, wherein the first housing and the control module include a biocompatible material, and when connected, are sized to complement an orthopedic implant.