Motorized Intramedullary Nail With Integrated Power for Bone Lengthening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized intramedullary nails for bone lengthening require external power sources, limiting patient mobility and freedom, and existing inductive solutions are invasive.
Innovation Solution
A motorized intramedullary nail with an integrated biocompatible power supply, using a lithium battery and control unit, allowing independent operation from external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external cables are used to power the motorized nail, then the motor can be powered, but the patient's mobility is limited and the operation becomes invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is extracted from the external environment and placed inside the nail itself. A battery is integrated into the nail's structure, eliminating the need for external cables and power sources. This allows the patient to move freely without being connected to external equipment while the motor receives the necessary power internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The nail becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own power source. The integrated battery enables the motor to operate autonomously without requiring external intervention or connection to external power supplies, making the system independent and portable.
2Ease of operation
If inductive power supply technology is used, then external cables are avoided, but the patient must still periodically position themselves at an external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The dependency on external power sources is completely removed by extracting the power supply function from the external environment and embedding it within the nail. This eliminates the need for the patient to return to external power supplies and enables complete mobility freedom.
3Ease of operation
If a battery is integrated into the nail, then patient mobility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery, motor, and control electronics are merged into a single integrated unit within the nail. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, simplifying the overall system architecture despite adding the power supply function. The integrated design allows all components to work together within the constrained space of the nail.
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 patient mobility without external power supplies, providing safe, durable, and precise lengthening adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The above-mentioned casing may be, for example, a casing similar to a pacemaker casing. Advantageously, said solution allows to independently develop the best biocompatible material for the casing and the best battery to optimize performance. More preferably, the power supply battery is a lithium battery.
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized intramedullary nail for bone lengthening or transport, of the type including a first tubular portion extending in a prevalent axial direction of the intramedullary nail; a second rod-shaped portion telescopically sliding inside the first tubular portion and along the same axial direction; a motorized electro-mechanical element for driving the rod-shaped portion which are inserted inside the first tubular portion and comprising electrical terminals accessible through the proximal part of the nail; and an independent power supply with biocompatible features for subcutaneous and prolonged implantation, connected and adapted to providing, preferably with an electronic control, electrical power according to the surgeon's plan, to operate the motorized electro-mechanical system, the independent power supply comprising a biocompatible casing and at least one power supply battery housed in the casing.