Force Concentrator for Eccentric Axial Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current force measuring apparatuses for loadbearing medical devices, such as fracture plates, struggle to accurately assess bone healing progress due to the eccentric axial forces applied, which result in bending moments and deformation, making it difficult to differentiate between compression and tension forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A force concentrator is attached to the loadbearing medical device, producing a transverse force related to the eccentric axial force applied, with a bending stiffness different from the device itself, and coupled with an axial force sensor to measure this transverse force, allowing for the assessment of bone healing status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a force measuring apparatus is attached to a loadbearing medical device to measure forces, then bone healing progress can be monitored, but the eccentric axial forces cause bending moments and deformation that make it difficult to accurately differentiate between compression and tension forces
Solution Approach 1:
The force measuring apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a force concentrator element that handles the eccentric axial forces, and a sensing element that measures the converted transverse forces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving measurement accuracy while managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force concentrator acts as an intermediary element between the loadbearing medical device and the force sensor. It converts the difficult-to-measure eccentric axial forces into transverse forces that are easier to measure accurately, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring direct measurement of the complex original forces.
2Measurement precision
If the force concentrator has the same bending stiffness as the loadbearing medical device, then structural consistency is maintained, but the transverse force production and measurement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The force concentrator is designed with specific local properties (different bending stiffness) at the location where force conversion is needed, while the rest of the loadbearing medical device maintains its overall structural consistency. This localized differentiation enables effective transverse force production without compromising the overall structural integrity of the device.
3Measurement precision
If the force measuring apparatus is designed to accurately measure eccentric axial forces, then bone healing status can be precisely assessed, but the device complexity and difficulty of implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force concentrator serves as a mechanical intermediary that automatically converts complex eccentric axial forces into simpler transverse forces. This conversion happens passively through the structural design of the force concentrator itself, eliminating the need for complex active measurement systems and making the device easier to implement while maintaining high measurement precision for bone healing assessment.
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 configuration enables precise measurement of transverse forces, providing a clear indication of bone healing progress by differentiating between compression and tension forces, facilitating better monitoring of bone healing through the measurement of eccentric axial forces.
Implementation Method 1
The force concentrator is configured to produce a transverse force related to an eccentric axial force applied to the loadbearing medical device
Implementation Method 2
The axial force sensor is configured to measure the transverse force
Data Source
AI summary
A force measuring apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a force concentrator. The force concentrator is configured to attach to a loadbearing medical device and to produce a transverse force related to an eccentric axial force applied to the loadbearing medical device. A bending stiffness of the force concentrator is different from a bending stiffness of the loadbearing medical device.