Motorized Spatial Frame Struts for Automated Bone Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spatial frames require manual strut adjustments by patients, which are burdensome, painful, and lead to treatment non-compliance and increased clinical visits, limiting the number of adjustments and potentially causing treatment failure.

Innovation Solution

An automated spatial frame with motorized struts, a master control unit, and integrated power and data connectivity, allowing for automated adjustments according to a treatment plan, reducing bulkiness and eliminating external components to ensure compatibility and patient comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual strut adjustments are required, then patient compliance is needed, but treatment non-compliance increases and clinical visits increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrut adjustment operationVSAvoidtreatment compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spatial frame system performs strut adjustments automatically without requiring patient manual operation. The motorized struts with integrated actuators enable the system to self-adjust according to the treatment plan, eliminating the need for patient compliance in performing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment operations are replaced with an automated motorized system. The patent substitutes the mechanical wrench-based manual adjustment with electric motors, control units, and automated actuation mechanisms that perform adjustments without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple daily adjustments are made, then bone alignment improves, but patient burden and pain increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment frequencyVSAvoidpatient pain and burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs frequent adjustments automatically without patient involvement. The motorized struts can execute multiple daily adjustments as prescribed, eliminating the physical burden and pain associated with manual patient adjustments while maintaining high adjustment frequency for optimal bone alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If automated struts are implemented, then adjustment frequency increases, but device complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrut adjustment automationVSAvoidspatial frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The motorized struts merge the strut function with the actuation mechanism, and the control unit integrates power management, communication, and control functions. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions including power distribution to all struts, wireless communication for treatment plan upload and status monitoring, and automated control of motorized adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If external power and control components are added, then automation is enabled, but patient comfort and compatibility with existing systems decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment controlVSAvoidcompatibility with existing spatial frames

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit and power source are nested within the spatial frame structure itself, specifically integrated into the rings or platforms. This nesting approach allows automation functionality to be housed within existing structural components, maintaining compatibility with standard spatial frame configurations while enabling automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the treatment plan and the motorized struts. It receives treatment parameters wirelessly, processes them, and translates them into coordinated motor actions. This intermediary layer enables seamless integration with existing spatial frame hardware while providing automated intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12471955B2Automated spatial frame and automated struts used therewith

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SMITH & NEPHEW INC

AI summary

An automated spatial frame is disclosed. The spatial frame may include a master controller unit arranged and configured as a centralized controller for exchanging data with a remote computing system, exchanging data with a plurality of automated struts, and delivering power to the automated struts. Thus arranged, the master-controller unit may be configured as a fully integrated, rechargeable power supply/controller unit for powering and controlling the automated struts. In one embodiment, the master-controller unit is coupled to an external surface of a platform. The platform acting as a conduit for coupling the master-controller unit to the automated struts. As such, at least one of the platforms provides integrated connectivity to the automated struts. In one embodiment, the struts may be wireless automated strut including a motor, a power source, and a wireless communications module for communicating with an external computing system.