Implantable Magnetic Distractor With Torque-Based Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranio-maxillo-facial distraction techniques using external components increase the risk of morbidity, discomfort, and scarring, and lack precise monitoring and feedback during the distraction process.
Innovation Solution
A fully implantable distraction system with wireless control, utilizing a magnetically driven drive train and near-field communication for precise torque-based monitoring and control, allowing for subcutaneous distraction with external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a semi-buried component protrudes through the skin to allow manual engagement, then the distractor can be engaged manually, but the patient experiences increased morbidity, discomfort, and risk of soft-tissue infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transdermal component entirely, extracting the problematic interface between the device and external environment. The distractor is fully implanted with no protruding parts, eliminating the source of infection risk while maintaining functionality through internal actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical engagement with a wireless magnetic actuation system. An external magnetic field drives the implantable distractor mechanism, substituting the need for manual manipulation through skin penetrations with contactless magnetic coupling.
2Ease of operation
If a semi-buried component protrudes through the skin, then the distractor can be engaged manually, but the patient experiences increased discomfort and analgesic use
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the transdermal component that causes mechanical irritation and tissue reaction, the patent eliminates the source of discomfort. The fully implanted design with smooth external surface prevents the mechanical trauma and inflammation that lead to increased analgesic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing manual manipulation with wireless magnetic actuation eliminates the mechanical stress and tissue deformation associated with manual engagement, thereby reducing patient discomfort and the need for pain management medications.
3Ease of operation
If a semi-buried component protrudes through the skin, then the distractor can be engaged manually, but the patient experiences increased scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the transdermal component that creates skin wounds and healing scars. The fully implanted design with no external penetrations eliminates the biological process of wound healing and subsequent scarring entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
Substituting manual mechanical engagement with contactless magnetic actuation eliminates the need for skin penetrations and tissue trauma, thereby preventing the formation of scars while maintaining the ability to engage and control the distractor.
4Ease of operation
If manual method is used to engage distractor, then the distractor can be controlled externally, but monitoring and recording feedback is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and communication systems that continuously monitor distraction parameters, magnetic coupling strength, and device status, providing real-time feedback to external systems. This enables automated recording and analysis of distraction progress without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing manual control with wireless magnetic actuation and electronic sensing systems enables automated monitoring and data recording. The system can detect and transmit feedback signals about distraction status, eliminating the information loss associated with purely manual methods.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If fully implantable distractor is used, then morbidity and scarring are minimized, but contactless distraction control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic field coupling as a non-contact mechanism to drive the implantable distractor. External magnets or magnetic actuators interact with magnetic components within the implant through the body tissues, enabling control without physical contact or skin penetrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer energy and control signals from external devices to the implantable distractor. This intermediary mechanism enables contactless actuation and control while maintaining the fully implanted configuration that minimizes morbidity and scarring.
6Object-affected harmful factors
If fully implantable distractor is used, then morbidity and scarring are minimized, but torque sensing for monitoring becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates electronic torque sensors and magnetic field detectors within the implantable device that electronically measure torque and magnetic coupling strength. These electronic sensing systems replace the need for external mechanical measurement methods, enabling precise monitoring through the body tissues without compromising the implantable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electronic sensors and magnetic field detection as intermediaries to measure torque and device status from within the implant. These sensing mechanisms transmit signals through body tissues to external monitoring systems, enabling accurate torque sensing while maintaining the fully implanted design that minimizes morbidity.
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
Minimizes morbidity and scarring while providing precise and accurate distraction control, reducing bony relapse rates and hospital stays, and enabling remote monitoring and data recording.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic element configured to rotate in response to a rotating magnetic field generated by an external device
Implementation Method 2
A near-field communication device configured to communicate with an external device
Data Source
AI summary
A distraction system can include a distraction implant comprising a magnetic element and a distraction mechanism configured to expand the distraction implant in response to rotation of the magnetic element. The distraction system can include an external device comprising a motor configured to rotate a driver magnet while in a powered state, the driver magnet configured to rotate the magnetic element, a computing device configured. The computing device can be configured to measure an electrical current drawn by the motor during rotation of the driver magnet. The computing device can be configured to maintain the motor in the powered state in response to a mean value of the electrical current being greater than or equal to a mean value threshold, and a standard deviation value of the electrical current being less than or equal to a standard deviation threshold.