Orthopedic Implant Sensor Power Management via Event Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implants with embedded sensors face challenges in powering sensors for extended periods and updating software without requiring invasive re-implantation, leading to discomfort and risk for patients.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a processor and controller to manage power consumption and sensor activation based on triggering events, allowing for remote communication and software updates, including the use of internal power sources and communication protocols like NFC and cellular data to extend sensor lifespan and optimize functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are continuously powered to monitor patient conditions, then monitoring reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system implements periodic monitoring with adjustable sampling intervals, switching between continuous and intermittent operation modes. The controller activates sensors at predetermined time intervals or in response to triggering events, allowing the system to maintain monitoring capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is updated by re-implanting the sensor, then software functionality is improved, but patient discomfort and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The software update capability is extracted from the implanted sensor device and relocated to an external system. The implanted sensor contains only the minimum necessary firmware for basic operation, while comprehensive software updates are performed externally through wireless communication, eliminating the need for invasive re-implantation procedures.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are activated to gather comprehensive data, then data quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective sensor activation where only the necessary subset of sensors is activated at any given time based on the specific monitoring requirements. The controller intelligently determines which sensors need to be active and keeps others in low-power mode, achieving adequate data quality without the excessive power consumption that would result from activating all sensors continuously.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor operates at full power to ensure accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system dynamically adjusts its operating parameters including sampling rate, activation threshold, and measurement frequency based on current conditions and power availability. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy when needed while extending device lifespan through reduced power consumption during normal operation, optimizing the trade-off between precision and durability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for power conservation of embedded sensors are provided. In some embodiments, at least one sensor positioned within an orthopedic implant operably senses a triggering event of a patient. A sensor signal representative of the triggering event may be sent from a controller to a processor, wherein the controller is operatively connected to the at least one sensor. A command signal may then be sent from the processor to control operation of the at least one sensor.