Programmable External Fixation Strut Adjustment With Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation devices face challenges in precise and efficient strut length adjustment due to cumbersome patient interaction, potential human errors, and difficulties in wireless data communication, leading to frame instability and incorrect adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A programmable tool that automatically adjusts external fixation struts by communicating with a cloud unit, using a position sensor for feedback, and ensuring correct strut identification through data exchange, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of strut length is performed by patient or practitioner, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human errors and inability to accurately monitor small adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system monitors and tracks the actual strut length adjustments made by the patient or practitioner. The system provides feedback to verify that adjustments match the prescribed protocol, ensuring both ease of operation and measurement precision are maintained simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated electronic measurement system that uses sensors and digital displays to precisely measure strut length. This substitution eliminates human error in measurement while maintaining the simplicity of the adjustment process for the user.
2Reliability
If automated programmable tool is used for strut adjustment, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment system into separate functional modules: a programmable controller, a sensor system for measurement, a display interface, and the mechanical adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service feature where the system automatically verifies and confirms adjustments without requiring complex user intervention. The programmable tool autonomously monitors the adjustment process and validates results, improving reliability while minimizing the operational burden on the user.
3Productivity
If wireless data communication is implemented for strut adjustment, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to communication errors and lack of feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the wireless communication system that continuously verify data transmission accuracy. The system receives adjustment data wirelessly, validates it against prescribed protocols, and provides confirmation feedback to ensure reliability while maintaining the efficiency benefits of wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces wired mechanical data transmission with wireless communication technology, improving productivity and ease of operation. The wireless system uses encrypted digital communication to maintain reliability, eliminating the physical constraints of wired connections while ensuring accurate and secure data transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an external fixation strut having an elongated body comprising at least a first shaft and a second shaft moveable with respect to each other to modify the length of said elongated body, an adjustment mechanism for moving the second shaft with respect to the first shaft thereby modifying the length of the elongated body, a second coupling portion of the adjustment mechanism adapted to releasably engage with a first coupling portion of a tool for adjusting said external fixation strut, to enable torque transmission, at least one sensor adapted to perform at least a measurement which is indicative of the length of the elongated body, and a second connecting portion of the adjustment mechanism which is in electrical communication with a first connecting portion of the tool when the first coupling portion is engaged with the second coupling portion and which is adapted to enable transmission of data from the sensor to the tool. A related medical assembly is also disclosed.