Implant Strain Sensor Segmentation for Tissue Irritation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring, processing, and transmitting implant parameters in osteosynthesis irritate surrounding anatomical structures and soft tissue due to their bulkiness and are susceptible to interference from nearby muscle forces, which affects the accuracy of strain measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a strain sensor positioned directly on the implant and bulky electronic components housed laterally in a compartment, minimizing mechanical strain transfer and irritation by optimizing the device's design to reduce protrusion and position sensitive electronics out of the force transmission path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the complete electronic unit including bulky components (e.g., batteries) is positioned on top of the implant, then the device can measure strain effectively, but the irritation of surrounding soft tissue and anatomical structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional portions: a measurement portion that contacts the implant and a compartment portion that houses bulky components laterally. This segmentation allows the measurement portion to remain small and close to the implant for accurate strain detection, while the compartment portion containing batteries and electronics is positioned away from soft tissue to minimize irritation.
2Measurement precision
If the complete electronic unit including bulky components (e.g., batteries) is positioned on top of the implant, then the device can measure strain effectively, but the interferences induced by forces of nearby muscles and/or other adjacent tissue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the measurement function from the electronic unit through segmentation. The measurement portion with strain sensor remains close to the implant for accurate strain detection, while the compartment portion with electronics and batteries is positioned laterally away from muscle forces and adjacent tissue, reducing mechanical interference and improving measurement reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bulky components such as batteries are placed at the periphery beside the implant, then soft tissue irritation is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs segmentation by dividing the housing into a measurement portion and a compartment portion connected by a connection portion. This structural segmentation enables peripheral placement of bulky components while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment portion is positioned laterally beside the implant rather than on top, utilizing the lateral dimension to accommodate bulky components. This dimensional change allows batteries and electronics to be placed away from soft tissue without increasing the device's vertical profile, thus minimizing tissue irritation while managing complexity through spatial optimization.
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 minimizes tissue irritation, reduces interference from adjacent tissue forces, and enhances strain measurement accuracy by concentrating mechanical load on the strain sensor, thereby reducing the risk of mechanical failure and prolonging device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Strain sensed by the strain gauges is transformed into electric signals by means of the strain gauges
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for measuring, processing and transmitting implant parameters in osteosynthesis, the device (1) comprising: a biocompatible sterilizable housing (2); a strain sensor (3); an electronic unit (4) to process electrical signals provided by the strain sensor (3), wherein the housing (2) comprises (i) a measurement portion (5) of the height H5 comprising a cavity (51); and (ii) a compartment portion (6) of the height H6 with a cavity (61), and wherein the measurement portion (5) comprises at least two affixing means (7) for affixing the device (1) to an implant and wherein the electronic unit (4) is positioned in the cavity of the compartment portion (6).