Shear Force Assessment for Textile Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing shear forces at fixation points of textile-based implants, such as those used in abdominal wall hernia repairs, are inadequate for predicting implant failure or fixation pull-out under physiological loads.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tissue model, load simulation device, and analysis system that secures a textile-based implant with markers at fixation points, applies loads, and calculates shear force vectors using digital image correlation and continuum mechanics theory to assess shear force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If markers are placed on fixation support and digital image correlation is used, then measurement precision of shear forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Markers are introduced as intermediary elements on the fixation support to enable optical measurement of shear forces. These markers serve as mediators between the mechanical deformation of the fixation support and the digital image correlation system, allowing precise measurement of displacement and shear force calculation without direct mechanical sensors at each fixation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical force measurement systems with an optical-based digital image correlation system. Instead of using force sensors or load cells at each fixation point, the system uses visual tracking of marker displacement combined with continuum mechanics theory to calculate shear forces, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If continuum mechanics theory is applied to calculate shear force vectors, then reliability of implant assessment is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a preliminary computational framework based on continuum mechanics theory before actual implant assessment. The finite element model and shear force calculation algorithms are pre-configured, allowing the system to reliably predict implant failure by applying established mechanical principles to the measured marker displacements, thereby improving prediction reliability while managing computational complexity through pre-established models.
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
Enables accurate measurement and evaluation of shear force distribution at fixation points, reducing the likelihood of implant failure and fixation pull-out by simulating physiological loads and providing data for selecting appropriate textile-based implants.
Implementation Method 1
The load simulation device is configured to apply a load to a textile-based implant secured to the tissue model
Implementation Method 2
The analysis system is configured to calculate a shear force vector at each of the one or more of the plurality of fixation points where the at least one marker is disposed in response to the load applied by the load simulation device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assessing the distribution of shear forces at fixation points on a textile-based implant includes a tissue model, a load simulation device, and an analysis system. The tissue model includes an upper surface defining an opening therethrough and a fixation support configured to secure a textile-based implant against the upper surface at a plurality of fixation points defined along a plane of the upper surface. The load simulation device is configured to apply a load to a textile-based implant that is secured to the tissue model. A marker is disposed on the fixation support at one or more of the plurality of fixation points. The analysis system is configured to calculate a shear force vector at each of the fixation points where a marker is disposed in response to the load applied by the load simulation device.