Programmable External Fixation Strut Tool with Integrated Data Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation systems face challenges in precise and automated strut length adjustment due to user errors, complexity, and instability during adjustments, particularly in limb lengthening and deformity correction procedures.
Innovation Solution
A programmable tool with a data port integrated into the mechanical interface between the strut and adjustment mechanism, enabling direct communication and power transmission, which includes sensors for length measurement and identification, ensuring accurate and automated adjustments without additional user tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of strut length is performed by user, then ease of operation is maintained, but user errors and lack of precision occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system performs self-measurement through integrated sensors that automatically detect strut length and position without requiring manual measurement by the user. The system self-corrects by comparing measured values against prescription data and automatically executing adjustments, eliminating user errors while maintaining ease of operation through automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and adjustment operations with an automated system comprising sensors, processors, and actuators. The mechanical adjustment mechanism remains but is controlled by an automated control system that substitutes human judgment and manual operation with electronic sensing and automated control, achieving precision without increasing operational complexity for the user.
2Measurement precision
If automated adjustment tool is introduced, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function and adjustment function into a single integrated device. The sensor system, processing unit, and actuator are combined in one tool that attaches to the strut, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and adjustment tools. This integration reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a measurement device with integrated sensors and an execution device with actuation capabilities. The single tool can measure strut length, compare against prescription data, calculate required adjustments, and execute the adjustment, replacing multiple separate tools and reducing system complexity despite adding automated functionality.
3Measurement precision
If multiple user tasks are required for adjustment, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous automated operation where the sensor continuously monitors strut position, the processor continuously compares measurements against prescription targets, and the actuator continuously makes adjustments as needed. This eliminates the stop-start nature of manual measurement and adjustment, maintaining measurement accuracy through continuous monitoring while significantly increasing productivity through uninterrupted automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensor measurements are fed back to the processor, which compares actual position against target position from the prescription, calculates the required adjustment, and commands the actuator to make corrections. This continuous feedback loop maintains measurement accuracy while automating the entire process, eliminating multiple manual tasks and increasing adjustment speed and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a programmable tool (100) operable to adjust an external fixation strut (200) having a rotatable adjustment mechanism (201) for length adjustment, the programmable tool comprising: an output shaft (101); a motor (102) operable to rotate said output shaft (101); a first coupling portion (103) solidly attached to said output shaft (101) and adapted to releasably engage with a corresponding second coupling portion (203) of the rotatable adjustment mechanism (201), thus enabling torque transmission from the motor (102) to the rotatable adjustment mechanism (201); a controller (104) configured for driving said motor (102) according to a prescription comprising instructions for adjusting the external fixation strut (200); a first connecting portion (105) in electrical communication with said controller (104) and adapted to electrically connect with a second connecting portion (205) of the rotatable adjustment mechanism (201) when the first coupling portion (103) is engaged with the second coupling portion (203), thus enabling data transmission from the external fixation strut (200) to the controller (104).