Self-Locking Implant Fixation Arm for Adjustable Transducer Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical implants with transducer assemblies face challenges in efficiently adjusting and securely locking to target locations within the body during implantation, leading to complexity and increased time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fixation system with resiliently bendable or rotatable arms that are biased away from the bone fixture by an external force, allowing adjustment along the fixture and self-locking once positioned, utilizing an elastically deformable element to maintain the locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixation systems are used for transducer assemblies, then secure locking is achieved, but the implantation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed to automatically lock itself to the fixation element without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms. The resilient arm naturally engages with the fixation element and maintains the locked position through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for additional locking components or complex implantation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler elastic deformation-based locking mechanism. Instead of using screws, clips, or multi-component fastening systems, the invention uses the arm's elastic deformation to achieve secure attachment, significantly simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation systems are used for transducer assemblies, then secure locking is achieved, but implantation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking arm automatically secures the transducer assembly to the fixation element through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or additional locking steps. This automatic self-service mechanism significantly reduces implantation time while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system is divided into independent functional components: the resilient arm, the fixation element, and the transducer assembly. This segmentation allows for simple, modular implantation where each component performs its specific function without requiring complex integration or adjustment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If resilient arms are used to simplify implantation, then adjustment ease is improved, but the risk of unintended disengagement may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is pre-configured with specific elastic properties and engagement features that ensure reliable locking before implantation. The resilient nature of the arm is carefully designed to provide sufficient holding force to prevent unintended disengagement while still allowing controlled adjustment during the implantation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the arm (such as material composition, cross-sectional dimensions, and curvature) are optimized to achieve the right balance between adjustability and locking stability. By carefully controlling these parameters, the arm can be easily adjusted during implantation yet maintain secure, stable locking afterward.
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
Simplifies the implantation process, reducing time and costs by enabling easy adjustment and secure locking of transducer assemblies to desired locations within the body.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically deformable element configured to apply at least one restoring force to the at least one arm such that the second arm portion is in the locked state
Implementation Method 2
respond to at least one external force applied to the at least one arm such that the second arm portion is in the unlocked state
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an arm configured to be in mechanical communication with a transducer configured to be implanted within a recipient's body. The arm includes a first mating portion configured to engage and disengage with a plurality of second mating portions positioned along at least one longitudinal surface of a fixation element implanted within a portion of the recipient's body. The arm is configured to be moved between an unlocked state in which the arm is disengaged from the plurality of second mating portions and a locked state in which the arm is engaged with at least one of the second mating portions. The apparatus further includes at least one elastically deformable element configured to apply a restoring force to the arm such that the arm is in the locked state and to respond to an external force applied to the arm such that the arm is in the unlocked state.