Laser-Based Implant Vibration Analysis for Orthopedic Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the installation strength of implants, such as artificial joints, in orthopedic surgery are invasive and unreliable, particularly when deep inside the body, and lack objective assessment, relying heavily on operator judgment.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact method using a laser beam to vibrate the implant and measure vibration data, deriving an index of installation strength through time series analysis, allowing for objective evaluation of embedding torque or pulling force without the need for magnetic resonance frequency analysis or invasive devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic resonance frequency analysis using a magnet is used to evaluate implant installation strength, then the evaluation can be performed during dental implant treatment, but it cannot be adapted to orthopedic surgery requiring deep body access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based vibration induction with laser beam irradiation. The laser beam heats the implant locally, causing thermal expansion and contraction that induces vibration without requiring magnetic materials or close physical contact, enabling evaluation of deep orthopedic implants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser beam as an intermediary energy carrier between the external evaluation device and the implant. The laser beam transfers energy through tissue without direct contact, allowing vibration induction and measurement at deep surgical sites inaccessible to magnetic devices
2Measurement precision
If invasive devices or magnetic resonance frequency analysis are used, then implant installation strength can be evaluated, but the method becomes invasive and unsuitable for deep body surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes contact-based mechanical vibration induction with non-contact laser-induced thermal vibration. This eliminates the need for invasive device insertion while maintaining the ability to induce and measure implant vibrations for strength evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of tissue and implant materials between solid and liquid states through controlled laser heating and cooling cycles. This thermal phase transition induces vibration in the implant without requiring physical contact or invasive procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If operator judgment and experience are used to evaluate implant installation strength, then the evaluation can be performed without specialized equipment, but the reliability and objectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where laser-induced vibrations are measured by sensors, processed through signal analysis algorithms, and converted into quantitative installation strength metrics. This automated feedback loop eliminates subjective operator judgment and provides objective, repeatable measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the qualitative assessment of implant stability into quantitative parameters by measuring vibration frequency, amplitude, and decay characteristics. These physical parameters are then correlated with installation strength, providing objective numerical evaluation instead of subjective judgment
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 approach provides a non-invasive, repeatable, and objective evaluation of implant installation strength, reducing subject variability and improving surgical success rates by accurately assessing the strength of implant fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a step of vibrating an implant, a step of measuring time series data of the number of vibrations and vibration strengths of the implant vibrated in the vibrating step
Implementation Method 2
the vibrating step is executed by an implant installation strength evaluation device and is executed in a non-contact manner utilizing a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
the implant is irradiated with a second laser beam, and the time series data of the number of vibrations and strengths of the implant is measured based on the second laser beam reflected by the implant
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant installation strength evaluation method includes a step of vibrating an implant, a step of measuring time series data of the number of vibrations and vibration strengths of the implant vibrated in the vibrating step, and a step of deriving information indicating an index of an installation strength of the implant based on the time series data of the number of vibrations and vibration strengths of the implant.