Detachable Geared-Motor Assembly for Automated Spatial Frame Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial frames require manual adjustment of struts, which is burdensome, prone to errors, and limits treatment flexibility, and current motorized systems are bulky and require cumbersome cable connections.
Innovation Solution
A detachable geared-motor assembly that can be selectively attached to manually adjustable struts, featuring a self-contained design with wireless communication and power, allowing for motorized and automated adjustments without a centralized control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of struts is used, then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but patient compliance decreases and error rates increase due to the burdensome nature of daily manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with an automated motorized system. A motorized adjustment mechanism automatically adjusts the strut lengths according to a pre-programmed treatment plan, eliminating the need for patients to perform manual adjustments daily. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated motorized control directly improves treatment compliance while maintaining the structural simplicity of the spatial frame.
2Extent of automation
If motorized adjustment system is permanently integrated, then adjustment precision and automation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the motorized adjustment system into separate, modular assemblies that can be independently attached to or removed from the struts. Each motorized adjustment assembly functions as an independent module, allowing the automation capability to be segmented and reconfigured. This modular segmentation reduces overall device complexity by enabling selective integration of motorized components only where and when needed, rather than permanently integrating motors into every strut.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where the motorized adjustment assemblies can be selectively attached and detached from the struts based on treatment phase requirements. During the active treatment phase, motorized assemblies are attached for automated precision adjustments. During consolidation or travel phases, they can be detached to simplify the device structure. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to adapt its level of automation to current treatment needs, optimizing the balance between automation and 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
Enables flexible, error-free, and efficient strut adjustments, reducing bulkiness and cable hazards, while allowing for finer adjustments and increased treatment compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a motor and a gear, the gear arranged and configured to engage the strut so that, in use, rotation of the motor drives rotation of the gear
Data Source
AI summary
A geared-motor assembly for use in a spatial frame is disclosed. Each of the geared-motor assemblies being selectively attachable and detachable from a manually adjustable strut in a spatial frame. In use, with the geared-motor assemblies detached, the struts can be manually adjusted (e.g., rotated) to, for example, facilitate initial construction of the spatial frame in the operating room, to allow patients to manually adjust the struts if desired, etc. Thereafter, with the geared-motor assemblies coupled to the struts, motorized and/or automated adjustment of the struts according to a treatment plan can be achieved. In use, each of the geared-motor assemblies is configured as a stand-alone device including all of the needed intelligence (e.g., microprocessor, printed-circuit board, etc.) and power supply to control and power the geared-motor assembly so that no external wires or centralized controller is required.