Implantable Orthopedic Sensor Module for Universal Anatomy Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implant sensor systems require redesigning the implant to accommodate sensors, leading to incomplete data collection, short battery life, and infrequent data transmission, and are not universally applicable across different implant designs and anatomies.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module system comprising a housing and attachment device that can be coupled to anatomy independently of the orthopedic implant, allowing for customizable and adaptable sensing capabilities without modifying the implant design, using a universally applicable housing with different attachment devices for various anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are incorporated into orthopedic implants as a packaged system, then sensing capabilities are integrated, but the implant design must be redesigned and regulatory approval is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent components: the orthopedic implant and the sensor module. The sensor module is a separate implantable device that can be used with multiple implant designs without requiring redesign of the implant itself, thus maintaining regulatory approval while adding sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed as a universal component that can be attached to different orthopedic implant designs and anatomical locations. This multi-functional approach allows the same sensor module to work with various implant types without requiring custom integration for each implant design.
2Loss of information
If sensors are integrated into the implant, then data collection is possible, but data completeness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module acts as an intermediary device that collects data from the surrounding biological environment and implant interface without being integrated into the implant structure. This intermediary approach enables comprehensive data collection while maintaining simplicity in both the implant and sensor designs.
3Reliability
If sensors are incorporated into implants, then monitoring capability is provided, but battery life is short
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sensor module from the implant, the battery and power management systems can be optimized independently. The sensor module can be designed with appropriate power capacity for its specific monitoring functions without being constrained by the implant's design requirements.
4Loss of information
If sensors are integrated into the implant, then real-time feedback is possible, but data collection frequency is infrequent
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module can dynamically adjust its data collection frequency and transmission intervals based on operational conditions and battery status. This dynamic operation enables real-time monitoring when needed while conserving energy during stable periods, resolving the contradiction between data completeness and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical sensor system for collecting internal patient data comprises a sensor module comprising a housing and a sensor disposed within the housing, and an attachment device comprising a socket for receiving the housing and an exterior anchor feature for attaching the attachment device to biological matter. A method of implanting a sensor module for use with an orthopedic implant device comprises making an insertion portal in anatomy of a patient, positioning a sensor module in the anatomy in a first position relative to the insertion portal, and positioning an orthopedic implant in the anatomy in a second position relative to the insertion portal such that the orthopedic implant is separate from the sensor module.