Disposable Force Sensor Pod for Knee Ligament Tension Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotically-assisted surgical systems for knee arthroplasty lack precise measurement of ligament tension during bone preparation, relying on manual sensing which can be subjective and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A joint distraction device with a disposable force sensor pod that measures distraction force and communicates with a computing system to enhance precision in ligament tension measurement, integrated into a surgical system for total and partial knee arthroplasty procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sensing is used to measure ligament tension, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable force sensor pod that is discarded after a single use. This disposable sensor contains the force sensing elements (load cells or strain gauges) and electronic components, allowing the reusable distraction device to achieve precise measurements without incorporating permanent complex sensing systems. The disposable nature eliminates the need for sterilization of electronic components while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into two parts: a reusable distraction device structure and a disposable force sensor pod. This segmentation allows the complex sensing and electronics to be isolated in the disposable pod, while the main device remains simple and reusable. The pod can be easily attached and detached, providing precise measurements without permanently increasing the complexity of the main device.
2Measurement precision
If a disposable force sensor pod is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor pod is designed as a low-cost disposable component that can be discarded after single use. By making the sensor pod inexpensive and disposable rather than reusable and expensive, the system achieves precise measurements without requiring complex sterilization protocols or maintenance, accepting the consumption of the pod as a trade-off for measurement accuracy and ease of use.
3Productivity
If real-time force measurement is implemented, then the productivity is improved through better surgical planning, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor pod provides real-time force measurement feedback during the distraction procedure. The sensor measures the force required to distract the joint, and this information is displayed to the surgeon, enabling informed decisions about ligament balance and implant sizing. This feedback mechanism improves surgical planning efficiency without requiring complex integrated systems, as the sensor pod handles all measurement and communication functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor pod acts as an intermediary between the mechanical distraction device and the surgical decision-making process. It converts mechanical force into electrical signals that can be read by the computing system, providing real-time data without requiring the distraction device itself to have complex sensing or processing capabilities. This intermediary approach enables productivity improvement while keeping the main device simple.
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
Enhances precision in ligament tension measurement, facilitating more accurate surgical planning and execution by providing real-time data to the surgical system, thereby improving the outcome of knee arthroplasty procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The force sensor pod includes a load cell configured to measure a distraction force
Implementation Method 2
The force sensor pod includes a strain gauge configured to measure a distraction force
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing a distraction device, and providing, separate from the distraction device, a disposable force sensor pod configured to be removably coupled to the distraction device. The method also includes communicating, by the disposable force sensor pod, information relating to distraction of a joint by the distraction device to a computing system.