Faraday Cage Probe Reader for Spinal Set Screw Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional set screws in spinal implant systems face challenges in verifying fusion status, load status, and hardware failure due to cross-talk and interference among multiple digital set screws, making accurate labeling and postoperative monitoring difficult.
Innovation Solution
A probe reader equipped with a faraday cage is used to individually read and assign identity information to each set screw by positioning the faraday cage around the antenna of the specific set screw, blocking interference from other set screws, thereby isolating and suppressing electromagnetic signals from adjacent set screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple digital set screws are placed in close proximity in a spinal implant system, then the system can provide comprehensive monitoring capability, but electromagnetic interference and cross-talk between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
A Faraday cage is introduced as an intermediary shielding structure between the probe reader antenna and the set screw antennas. The Faraday cage acts as a mediator that allows selective electromagnetic signal transmission while blocking interference from adjacent set screws, enabling accurate reading of identity information from individual set screws without cross-talk
Solution Approach 2:
The probe reader incorporates a Faraday cage that creates a localized electromagnetic environment around the reading area. This localized shielding provides different electromagnetic properties in different spatial zones, allowing the probe to read signals from one set screw while blocking signals from other set screws in the system
2Device complexity
If conventional set screws are used without digital identification, then the implant system is simpler, but verification of fusion status, load status, and hardware failure becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw design integrates multiple functions into a single component: mechanical fastening function, digital identification function via embedded antenna and sensor, and wireless communication function. This multi-functionality allows conventional set screws to gain verification capabilities without requiring separate identification systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical verification methods with electromagnetic sensing and wireless communication. Instead of mechanical indicators or manual verification, digital set screws use antennas and sensors to transmit information about fusion status, load status, and hardware integrity wirelessly to external readers
3Productivity
If no shielding structure is used during set screw reading, then the reading process is faster and simpler, but accurate labeling of individual set screws cannot be achieved due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The Faraday cage is pre-positioned on the probe reader before the reading operation begins. This preliminary setup creates the shielding environment in advance, allowing the probe to immediately read set screw information without interference when the probe contacts the set screw, maintaining reading speed while ensuring accuracy
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
This solution enables accurate labeling and monitoring of set screws by preventing cross-talk, ensuring correct identification and assignment of location information, which is crucial for fusion status, load status, and hardware failure assessment in spinal implant systems.
Implementation Method 1
A probe reader equipped with a faraday cage is used to individually read and assign identity information to each set screw by positioning the faraday cage around the antenna of the specific set screw, blocking interference from other set screws
Data Source
AI summary
A medical implant identification system is disclosed. The implant identification system may include a probe reader extending from a proximal end to a distal end and the distal end may include a faraday cage. The probe reader may be in communication with an operating room computer and/or a display. The implant identification system may include at least one digital set screw comprising an antenna disposed in an antenna portion of the digital set screw. In various embodiments, the faraday cage may have a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the antenna portion of the digital set screw. Additionally, the antenna may be configured to transmit identity information to the probe reader, and the identify information may be displayed by the display and/or stored in a data store of the operating room computer.