Magnetic Implant Adjustment Feedback for Coupling and Stall Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasively adjustable implants lack feedback mechanisms for external remote controls, making it uncertain whether adjustment instructions are effectively applied to the implants.
Innovation Solution
An external adjustment device with a magnetic element generating a rotating magnetic field and a controller to detect the magnetic coupling state with a permanent magnet in the implant, using motor-driven magnets and sensors to monitor rotational speed and acceleration to determine coupling and stall states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If unidirectional adjustment instructions are sent from remote control to implant, then the remote control can issue adjustment commands, but feedback on actual adjustments achieved is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the adjustable implant contains sensors that detect the actual adjustment state (such as rod position, angle, or length changes) and transmit this information back to the remote control device. This closed-loop feedback system allows the remote control to receive real-time information about whether the implant has successfully executed the adjustment指令, thereby resolving the information loss problem without requiring overly complex additional hardware.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic coupling is used for non-invasive adjustment, then the adjustment can be applied without surgery, but uncertainty remains about whether the implant is properly coupled and adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors within the implant that detect the magnetic coupling state between the external adjustment device and the implant's internal magnet. These sensors monitor parameters such as magnetic field strength, coupling force, or relative position to determine whether proper magnetic coupling has been achieved. This feedback is transmitted to the user interface to confirm successful coupling before adjustment begins, ensuring reliability while maintaining non-invasive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms (such as physical connectors or screws) with a magnetic coupling system. The external adjustment device contains magnets that can magnetically attract and couple with corresponding magnets embedded in the implant, enabling non-invasive attachment and adjustment. This substitution eliminates the need for surgical exposure or mechanical fasteners while providing sufficient coupling strength for accurate adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If real-time feedback on magnetic coupling and stall states is implemented, then accurate adjustment application is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors (such as Hall effect sensors, magnetometers, or position sensors) to detect magnetic coupling state and stall conditions, replacing complex mechanical monitoring systems. These sensors can accurately measure magnetic field strength, coupling force, and rotational position without requiring mechanical linkages or moving parts. The monitoring system processes sensor data to determine coupling status and detect stalls (when the implant resists further adjustment), providing precise measurement with relatively simple device architecture.
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
Enables non-invasive, precise adjustment of implants by providing real-time feedback on magnetic coupling and stall states, ensuring accurate application of adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element configured to generate a rotating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the at least one magnet is configured to magnetically couple with a permanent magnet of the adjustable implant
Data Source
AI summary
An external adjustment device for non-invasively adjusting an adjustable implant, the external adjustment device including a controller in communication with an actuator associated with the implant and a sensor configured to receive information from or about the implant. The external adjustment device may include a power source and a display. The external adjustment device may include a magnetic element configured to generate a rotating magnetic field; and a driver configured to drive the magnetic element to generate the rotating magnetic field and configured to rotate a permanent magnet of an implant. Upon placing the external adjustment device in proximity to the implant, the magnetic element is configured to magnetically couple with the permanent magnet. The external adjustment device may be configured to non-invasively determine one or more of a magnetic coupling state and a stalled state of the magnetic element and the permanent magnet disposed within the implant.