Knee Joint Force and Rotation Sensing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In knee surgery, surgeons rely on visual estimation to position the knee joint, which lacks accuracy and repeatability, making it challenging to achieve precise angular positioning during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A force and rotation sensing device with an elongate housing featuring a force sensor, a dual-sided light-emitting diode display, and sensors (accelerometer or gyroscope) to measure and display flexion/extension and varus/valgus positions, allowing for precise measurement and wireless data transmission of knee joint angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual estimation is used to position the knee joint, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the accuracy and repeatability of angular positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the surgeon's visual estimation (mechanical/visual system) with electronic sensors including accelerometers and gyroscopes that digitally measure and transmit angular position data, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through integrated electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the sensing device and the display system, allowing angular position data to be transmitted to external displays or surgical navigation systems without complex wired connections, thus improving accuracy while keeping the procedure relatively simple
2Reliability
If visual estimation is used to position the knee joint, then the surgical setup is simple, but the repeatability of positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time display of measured angular positions through wireless communication to external displays or handheld devices, allowing the surgical team to verify and reproduce specific angular positions consistently, thereby improving repeatability while managing device complexity through software-based feedback loops
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the housing to measure force and rotation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions (force measurement, flexion/extension angle measurement, varus/valgus angle measurement) into a single integrated housing structure with unified electronics and wireless communication capabilities, improving measurement precision across multiple parameters while managing overall device complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensing device that simultaneously measures force, flexion/extension angles, and varus/valgus angles using a single integrated system, thereby improving comprehensive measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices through universal design
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
The device enhances the accuracy and repeatability of knee joint positioning by providing numerical values for surgeons, improving surgical outcomes and reducing reliance on visual estimation.
Implementation Method 1
A force sensor can measure a force exerted between opposing surfaces of the housing at a distal portion of the housing
Implementation Method 2
A force display can be positioned on the housing and can visually represent a value of the measured force. The force display can include a dual-sided light-emitting diode display
Implementation Method 3
The first rotation sensor can include at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope
Implementation Method 4
The first rotation sensor can include at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
A force and rotation sensing device can be suitable for measuring a force within a knee joint. A force sensor can measure a force exerted between opposing surfaces of a housing. A force display positioned on the housing can visually represent a value of the measured force, such as with a dual-sided light-emitting diode display that is visible from opposing sides of the housing. A first rotation sensor can measure a flexion/extension position of the housing. A flexion/extension display can visually represent a value of the measured flexion/extension position. In some examples, a zero button can set a reference orientation of the housing, so that the first rotation sensor can measure the flexion/extension position as a relative rotation with respect to the reference orientation. In some examples, circuitry can wirelessly transmit data corresponding to the value of the measured flexion/extension position.