Automated Bone Expansion Tool Using Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone expansion devices, such as distraction plate apparatus, require skilled manual operation to control the rotation of magnets, leading to potential errors in bone distraction, which can result in inadequate or excessive bone expansion.
Innovation Solution
An activation tool with a magnetic element attached to a rotation shaft, powered by an electric motor, and controlled by a module that manages the rotation direction, speed, and number of revolutions, allowing for precise control of bone expansion without manual rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation of the magnet is used to control bone expansion, then the device can be operated without complex mechanisms, but the operator requires considerable skill and vigilance, increasing the risk of error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an automated electromagnetic system. An electric motor drives a rotation shaft that rotates a magnet, which interacts with a worm screw mechanism to control bone expansion. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining precise control, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The activation tool incorporates a control module that automatically manages the rotation parameters (speed, direction, number of revolutions) based on pre-programmed settings. The system performs self-regulation of the expansion process without requiring continuous operator intervention, improving both ease of operation and reliability by reducing human error
2Device complexity
If manual control of magnet rotation is used, then the device structure remains simple, but operator error can lead to inadequate or excessive bone expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric motor and control module to replace manual rotation control. The control module precisely regulates the number of revolutions, rotation speed, and direction of the magnet, ensuring accurate bone expansion. This automated system maintains relatively simple device structure while dramatically improving precision by eliminating operator variability
Solution Approach 2:
The control module incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the rotation parameters in real-time. This ensures that the bone expansion process achieves the desired precision by automatically correcting deviations from the programmed parameters, maintaining manufacturing precision without excessive device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If automated electric motor control is used to rotate the magnet, then precision of bone expansion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electric motor with a control module to automate magnet rotation, providing precise control over expansion parameters. The system maintains relatively simple device complexity by integrating the motor and control electronics into a compact activation tool that interfaces with the existing worm screw mechanism, achieving precision without excessive complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The activation tool simplifies the control of bone expansion devices, reducing the risk of operator error and allowing for precise adjustment of bone separation, even in young patients with fragile attachments.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation of the magnetic element of the activation tool about a rotation shaft of the magnetic element causes the remote magnetic element borne by the bone expansion apparatus to rotate about a rotation shaft of the remote magnetic element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an activation tool (1) for a bone expansion apparatus (3), the bone expansion apparatus (3) being a distraction plate apparatus (3), the activation tool (1) comprising a magnetic element (130) solidly attached to a rotation shaft (120) of the activation tool (1), the magnetic element (130) being configured to interact coaxially with a distant magnetic element (310) borne by the bone expansion apparatus (3), the activation tool (1) being characterised in that it further comprises an electric motor (110) configured to cause the rotation shaft (120) to rotate, and a control module (140) controlling the rotation of the rotation shaft (120).The invention also relates to an assembly of a bone expansion apparatus (3) and of such an activation tool (1), in which the bone expansion apparatus (3) is a distraction plate apparatus (3).