Load-Bearing Implant With Nanogenerator-Driven Tissue Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical technologies lack a load supporting implant that incorporates a nanogenerator to deliver an electrical charge to surgically created cavities, joint spaces, wounds, or biocompatible additives, which can enhance healing processes.
Innovation Solution
A load supporting implant with integrated nanogenerators that utilize a charge generating composition and an electroconductive piston to generate an electric charge, which is then delivered to biocompatible electroconductive substances on the implant's surface, thereby facilitating healing in surgically created cavities, joint spaces, or wounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a load supporting implant is implanted into a surgically created cavity or joint space, then structural support is provided, but electrical charge delivery capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a load supporting implant with a nanogenerator into a single integrated device. The implant provides mechanical strength and load support while the integrated nanogenerator generates electrical charge through mechanical deformation, enabling dual functionality of structural support and electrical stimulation for enhanced tissue healing
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support to the surgically created cavity or joint space, generating electrical charge through nanogenerator activation by movement or deformation, and delivering the generated electrical charge to surrounding tissues to promote healing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If a nanogenerator is integrated into the implant, then electrical charge is generated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nanogenerator is designed to be self-powered, converting mechanical energy from patient movement or implant deformation directly into electrical energy. This eliminates the need for external power sources, batteries, or complex wiring systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining electrical charge generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical power systems (batteries, power management circuits) with a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system using nanogenerators. This substitution simplifies the device by utilizing the natural mechanical environment (body movements, implant deformation) to generate the required electrical energy
3Adaptability or versatility
If biocompatible electroconductive substances are positioned on the implant surface, then electrical charge delivery to tissue is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant surface incorporates porous biocompatible electroconductive materials that facilitate electrical charge delivery to surrounding tissues. The porous structure increases surface area for better electrical contact while allowing tissue ingrowth, and can be integrated into standard implant manufacturing processes through techniques like electrospinning or sintering
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes composite materials combining structural components with biocompatible electroconductive substances. These composite materials integrate multiple functions (structural support and electrical conductivity) into a single manufacturable component, reducing the number of assembly steps and simplifying the overall manufacturing process
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 implant effectively generates and delivers an electric charge to enhance healing by accelerating tissue repair, increasing epithelialization, and improving wound closure, as supported by literature on electrical stimulation in wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
a nanogenerator, positioned within an enclosed chamber of the load supporting implant, generating the electrical charge... the nanogenerator comprising: a charge generating composition such that when a portion of the outward surface is flexed, a resultant movement of an electroconductive piston moves the charge generating composition and generates an electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
A load bearing implant provided with an auto-generator generating an electric charge. One or more nanogenerators are incorporated into or onto the load bearing implant or a delivery vehicle. When a portion of the outward surface of the load bearing implant is flexed, the resultant movement of an electroconductive piston moves the charge generating composition and generates an electric charge deliverable to the electroconductive subsurface of the load bearing implant. It is believed that electric charge improves the healing of damaged/injured tissues.