Orthopedic Impactor Armature Sensing to Avoid Double Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic impactors require multiple firings in both forward and reverse directions, leading to excessive power consumption and unnecessary impacts, reducing their effectiveness in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic surgical impactor with an armature position sensing system that determines the intended direction of operation using inductance measurements from electromagnetic field signals, eliminating the need for additional electronic components and reducing double firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple firings are used in both forward and reverse directions, then the solenoid can deliver force in the desired direction, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by measuring the armature position before firing the solenoid. The position sensor detects whether the armature is in the forward or reverse position, and the controller uses this information to determine the appropriate firing direction. This preliminary position detection eliminates the need for multiple trial firings in both directions, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring force is applied in the correct direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the armature position through the position sensor and using this information to control the solenoid firing. The controller receives feedback about the armature's actual position and adjusts the firing command accordingly, ensuring that power is only applied when necessary and in the correct direction, thus optimizing energy efficiency.
2Force
If multiple firings are used in both forward and reverse directions, then the solenoid can ensure force is applied in the desired direction, but unnecessary impacts are delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the armature position before firing. The position sensor measures whether the armature is in the forward or reverse position, and the controller uses this information to determine the correct firing direction. This eliminates unnecessary impacts by ensuring the solenoid only fires when needed and in the correct direction, thereby improving surgical procedure efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the armature position and using this information to control solenoid firing. The controller receives real-time feedback about the armature's position and adjusts the firing command to match the desired direction, preventing unnecessary impacts and improving the efficiency of surgical procedures.
3Measurement precision
If additional electronic components are added for position sensing, then the intended direction can be determined accurately, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by making the existing coil serve multiple functions: it acts as both the electromagnetic actuator that moves the armature and as the position sensor that detects the armature's position. By measuring the coil's inductance, the system determines the armature position without requiring separate sensing components, thus maintaining accuracy while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the coil's own electrical characteristics (inductance) to detect the armature position. The coil serves itself as both the actuator and the sensor, eliminating the need for additional electronic components. This self-service approach achieves accurate position determination while keeping the device simple.
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
Accurately determines the intended direction of operation, minimizing undesired movements and power consumption, thereby enhancing the impactor's effectiveness and reducing unnecessary impacts during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to receive an electric current resulting in generation of an electromagnetic field for triggering translation of the armature component within the stationary electromagnetic housing
Implementation Method 2
The inductance may be determined based on at least one of: at least one current output signal and at least one voltage output signal generated by the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic surgical impactor and corresponding methods of operations. The impactor includes an electromagnetic component having a stationary electromagnetic housing and a moving armature component. The stationary electromagnetic housing includes a coil configured to receive an electric current resulting in generation of an electromagnetic field for triggering translation of the armature component within the stationary electromagnetic housing. The electromagnetic field is configured force the armature component to translate in at least one direction. The impactor includes a sensing component having at least one processor. The processor is configured to determine an inductance, associated with the electromagnetic field, based on at least one of: at least one current output signal and at least one voltage output signal generated by the coil, and determine, based on the inductance, a position of the movable armature component within the stationary electromagnetic housing.