External Implant Magnet Coupling Feedback for Adjustment Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasively adjustable implants lack feedback mechanisms for external remote controls, making it difficult for users to confirm if adjustments are accurately applied to the implants.
Innovation Solution
An external adjustment device with a magnetic element generating a rotating magnetic field and a controller with a motor to magnetically couple with and rotate a permanent magnet in the implant, allowing for real-time monitoring of magnetic coupling states and adjustments through rotational speed and acceleration analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic coupling is used for non-invasive adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of adjustment confirmation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback by detecting the rotational speed of the magnet in the external adjustment device. When the magnet rotates, it drives the permanent magnet inside the implant, and this rotation is detected by sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors, encoders). The detected rotational information is transmitted back to confirm whether the adjustment was successfully applied, providing real-time feedback to the user without requiring invasive procedures.
2Measurement precision
If rotational speed monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the magnet itself as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: it transmits rotational force to adjust the implant and simultaneously acts as a marker for detection by sensors. This eliminates the need for separate complex monitoring systems, as the existing magnetic component enables both actuation and feedback functions.
3Reliability
If acceleration analysis is used to detect stalled conditions, then reliability is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the acceleration signal by rotating the magnet through a full revolution and storing the acceleration profile before actual adjustment operations. This pre-characterized data serves as a reference for detecting stalled conditions during normal operation, enabling reliable detection without requiring complex real-time analysis of every signal variation.
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
Enables precise and non-invasive adjustment of implants by providing feedback on magnetic coupling states and detecting stalled conditions, ensuring accurate and controlled adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element configured to generate a rotating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
coupling at least one magnet of the external adjustment device with a permanent magnet of the adjustable implant
Data Source
AI summary
An external adjustment device for non-invasively adjusting an adjustable implant, the external adjustment device including a controller in communication with an actuator associated with the implant and a sensor configured to receive information from or about the implant. The external adjustment device may include a power source and a display. The external adjustment device may include a magnetic element configured to generate a rotating magnetic field; and a driver configured to drive the magnetic element to generate the rotating magnetic field and configured to rotate a permanent magnet of an implant. Upon placing the external adjustment device in proximity to the implant, the magnetic element is configured to magnetically couple with the permanent magnet. The external adjustment device may be configured to non-invasively determine one or more of a magnetic coupling state and a stalled state of the magnetic element and the permanent magnet disposed within the implant.