Bone Alignment Device Prescription Revision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for dynamically revising prescriptions for bone alignment devices are manual and inefficient, relying on user feedback and not automatically adapting to real-time force readings or patient compliance.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically revises instructions for bone alignment devices based on force readings, using a network-connected patient device, server computer, and HCP device to monitor adjustments, analyze data, and calculate revised prescriptions as needed, allowing for remote modification of treatment plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual methods are used to revise prescriptions for bone alignment devices, then user feedback can be incorporated, but the process is inefficient and does not automatically adapt to real-time force readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to real-time force readingsVSAvoidefficiency of prescription revision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic feedback loops where force readings from the bone alignment device are continuously monitored and fed back to the server computer. This enables the prescription to be automatically revised based on real-time physiological data, eliminating the inefficiency of manual review while maintaining adaptability to patient response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through automated prescription revision algorithms that operate without requiring manual intervention. The server computer automatically analyzes force readings, determines optimal adjustment parameters, and generates revised prescriptions, allowing the system to adapt to real-time data independently while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If manual updates are used for bone alignment device instructions, then optimization can be performed, but real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic revision of instructionsVSAvoidtime for prescription revision
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical processes of prescription revision with automated computational systems. The server computer uses algorithms to automatically process force readings and generate revised instructions, substituting human manual work with automated digital processing that occurs in real-time without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous automatic revision of instructions by maintaining constant monitoring of force readings and continuously updating prescriptions as needed. This eliminates interruptions and time losses associated with manual review cycles, keeping the optimization process continuously active and adaptive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If remote monitoring is implemented for bone alignment devices, then patient compliance can be ensured, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient compliance monitoringVSAvoidcomplexity of network-connected system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves compliance monitoring through multi-functional integration where the same network-connected components used for force reading acquisition also handle data transmission, prescription revision, and compliance verification. This universal approach ensures reliable monitoring without proportionally increasing complexity, as single components perform multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing network infrastructure as an intermediary to connect the bone alignment device with the server computer. This intermediary enables remote compliance monitoring and automatic prescription revision without requiring complex direct communication protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2997515B1Apparatus and method for administering a medical device prescription
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 SMITH & NEPHEW INC
  • EP2997515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2997515B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2997515B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and devices for providing instructions to treat and for treating patients through the use of medical devices. Some embodiments are particularly configured to treat musculoskeletal conditions by providing for alignment of bones by use of bone alignment devices in accordance with instructions provided through a prescription. Other embodiments may be capable of facilitating or providing revised prescriptions in response to treatment conditions. Embodiments may also provide effective ways of communicating prescription and compliance information between patients and health care providers.