Sensing Artificial Disc with Stiffness Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial spinal discs lack the ability to sense disc conditions and actively control or influence their performance, leading to limited lifespan and inadequate treatment monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A sensing artificial disc with a resilient core, embedded sensors (such as strain gauges or temperature sensors), and a wireless transmitter to monitor and transmit disc conditions, along with a stiffening device that can be adjusted to modify the disc's stiffness based on sensed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If passive recording circuits are embedded in the disc, then use data can be recorded, but the disc cannot actively control or influence its performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect disc conditions (such as wear, temperature, or stress) and using this information to actively control disc performance through adjustable stiffness mechanisms. This transforms the passive recording system into an active feedback-controlled system that can adapt its behavior based on real-time condition monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc performs self-service by autonomously monitoring its own condition through embedded sensors and automatically adjusting its stiffness or performance characteristics without external intervention. This enables the disc to self-regulate its operation based on sensed parameters, extending its functional capability beyond passive data recording.
2Ease of manufacture
If the disc structure remains static, then manufacturing is simple, but the disc cannot adapt to changing conditions or extend lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static disc structure to a dynamic one where stiffness can be adjusted in response to sensed conditions. The disc incorporates mechanisms that allow it to change its mechanical properties (such as stiffness or damping) based on real-time feedback from sensors, enabling adaptation to varying operational conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
3Device complexity
If no sensors are embedded, then the disc structure is simple, but wear and tear cannot be monitored to determine replacement timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wear indicators with electronic sensing systems. Instead of relying on physical inspection or mechanical wear markers, the disc uses embedded sensors (such as strain gauges, temperature sensors, or wear sensors) to electronically monitor condition parameters. This substitution enables continuous, real-time monitoring of disc health and predictive determination of replacement timing.
4Ease of operation
If the disc cannot sense conditions, then treatment response is passive, but proactive treatment adjustments cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor disc conditions and this information is used to automatically or semi-automatically adjust treatment parameters. The system can proactively respond to sensed conditions by modifying disc stiffness, damping, or other performance characteristics, enabling active treatment control rather than passive management.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic disc can take the form of a sensing artificial disc that includes a resilient core and at least one sensor configured to sense one or more conditions within and/or experienced by the disc. The sensing artificial disc can serve as a replacement to a failed or injured disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The sensing artificial disc can include at least one element configured to change a condition or property of the resilient core in response to a condition sensed by the at least one sensor. A prosthetic disc can include therapeutic system configured to deliver medication to the body, which can include a reservoir of medication.