Monoblock Joint Measuring Device with Inductive Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical measuring devices for joint prostheses face challenges with solidity, robustness over time, sealing management, and sensor placement due to complex multi-piece structures and non-flat or inaccessible receiving surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A medical measuring device with a single-piece body featuring a fixed plate, a test plate, and a pillar, where strain gauges are mounted on one face and a bridge connects the test plate to the fixed plate's rim, filling the gap between them, and an electronic unit with inductive communication and power supply, housed in a keel for hermetic sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-piece structure is used for the tibial component, then it is easier to assemble different parts, but the strength and robustness of the component deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (fixed plate, test plate, pillar, seal) into a single monoblock structure manufactured by additive manufacturing. This eliminates the need for assembly while maintaining structural integrity and strength, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and strength/robustness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces are assembled together, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but sealing management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated directly into the monoblock structure with the test plate and fixed plate, eliminating separate sealing components. This integration ensures reliable sealing while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through additive manufacturing capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on non-flat or inaccessible surfaces, then measurement coverage is improved, but positioning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a flat second face on the fixed plate that serves as an accessible mounting surface for strain gauges. This flat surface is positioned on the outer periphery of the fixed plate, making it easily accessible for sensor placement while still enabling measurement of mechanical stresses on the test plate through the pillar connection.
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 solution provides a robust, easy-to-manufacture device with reduced sealing constraints, improved sensor placement, and enhanced mechanical stress measurement capabilities while avoiding bacterial ingress and maintaining mechanical operation, facilitating calibration and personalization for patient-specific prostheses.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge providing a connection between the test plate and said rim, filling and/or covering said gap
Implementation Method 2
at least one measuring unit comprising one or more sensors, arranged on a second face of said fixed plate, opposite said first face
Implementation Method 3
an electronic unit with inductive communication and power supply
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical measuring device (2) intended to be placed inside the body of a living being, for measuring the mechanical stresses of a joint present between two parts of the skeleton of the living being, comprising: a body (20) having a fixed plate (21), a so-called test plate (22) to which the mechanical stresses are applied, and a pillar (23) standing on a first face of said fixed plate (21) and supporting the test plate, and at least one measuring unit (3) which comprises one or more sensors and is arranged on a second face of said fixed plate opposite said first face, the fixed plate (21) comprising an external rim (211) rising from the periphery of the test plate (22) and spaced apart from said test plate by a gap (24).