Spinal Implant Antenna Sensor Integration for Remote Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for orthopedic implants, particularly spinal implants, often require invasive adjustments or replacements due to changing anatomical conditions, necessitating a system for remote measurement, monitoring, and response to diagnostic conditions to minimize the need for subsequent surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system comprising a spinal implant with an integrated antenna for signal transmission, a sensor for measuring diagnostic conditions, an activating element to affect these conditions, and a power source, all connected by a network, allowing for remote monitoring and adjustment of the implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote monitoring and communication capabilities are integrated into spinal implants, then the need for subsequent surgeries is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sensing, communication, actuation, power) into a single integrated spinal implant device. The sensor assembly, antenna, activating element, and power source are merged into one cohesive unit that can be implanted as a single component, reducing the need for separate devices and subsequent surgeries while managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of components
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal implant is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs sensing (measuring diagnostic conditions), communication (transmitting data remotely), actuation (affecting diagnostic conditions), and power supply functions. This universal design allows a single implant to replace multiple separate devices and eliminate the need for subsequent surgical interventions
2Volume of moving object
If small and lightweight sensors are used to occupy minimal space, then the implant size is reduced, but the sensing and transmitting capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film sensor structures and flexible circuitry that provide adequate sensing and transmitting capabilities within a compact form factor. The antenna and sensor assemblies are designed as thin, space-efficient components that maintain functional performance while minimizing the overall implant volume and weight
3Extent of automation
If multiple sensors and communication components are integrated into the implant, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the implant into modular functional segments (sensor assembly, antenna, activating element, power source) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each component while simplifying the overall production through standardized interfaces and assembly procedures
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 remote monitoring and adjustment of orthopedic implants, reducing the need for subsequent surgeries by providing real-time data and enabling incremental, directional changes to the implant's conditions, thereby minimizing surgical interventions and associated risks and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna located in, on or adjacent to the spinal implant for sending and/or receiving signals to and/or from a remote location
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic system is provided that occupies a small area, provides sensing and transmitting of various diagnostic indicia, and with the aid of a healthcare professional, diagnoses and responds to such measurements. In the context of the spine, the diagnostic system comprises a spinal implant situated between two adjacent vertebrae, an antenna for sending and/or receiving signals to and/or from a remote location, a sensor for measuring at least one diagnostic condition, an activating element that has the ability to affect the at least one diagnostic condition, a power source to provide power to the diagnostic system, and a network that electrically connects the antenna, sensor, activating element and battery source.