Strain Gauge Sensor Array for Orthopedic Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic joint replacement procedures face challenges in adapting to individual patient variations due to the lack of precise data on joint parameters, relying heavily on the surgeon's skill and general tools that do not account for specific anatomical differences.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a circuit board with strategically positioned strain gauge sensors and plungers, which measure load magnitude and location by distributing force across multiple sensors, allowing for accurate determination and display of load parameters on a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general tools and standardized procedures are used for orthopedic joint replacement, then the procedure can be applied to a wide distribution of the population, but the ability to adapt to individual patient variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective surgical judgment and manual measurement with an automated electronic measurement system. Strain gauge sensors mounted on the prosthetic joint components automatically detect and quantify mechanical loads, forces, and moments during joint movement, converting mechanical information into electronic signals for precise digital analysis and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the surgeon during the surgical procedure through a display interface showing measured joint parameters. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to observe actual joint mechanics and make informed adjustments to achieve optimal alignment and function, then store this data for future reference and comparison.
2Measurement precision
If multiple strain gauge sensors are mounted on the circuit board to measure joint parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent strain gauge sensors positioned at specific locations on the circuit board. Each sensor measures local deformation, and the combined data from all sensors provides comprehensive information about load magnitude, direction, and location. This segmentation allows precise three-dimensional characterization of joint mechanics through distributed measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the prosthetic joint, houses the electronic control circuitry, and mounts the strain gauge sensor array. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple components into a single integrated platform rather than requiring separate structures for each function.
3Loss of information
If strain gauge sensors are used to measure joint parameters, then data collection capability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual measurement techniques with automated electronic sensing and computation. Strain gauge sensors continuously monitor mechanical deformation, and onboard processors automatically calculate load magnitude, direction, and location from the raw sensor signals, eliminating the need for complex manual calculations and reducing measurement difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate computational processing between the physical joint mechanics and the final measured parameters. The system uses strain gauge signals as intermediaries to infer actual joint loading conditions, applying mathematical algorithms to convert raw deformation data into meaningful clinical parameters that are easy to interpret and use.
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 precise measurement and display of load magnitude and location at a joint, facilitating more informed surgical decisions and improved adaptation of prosthetic joints to individual patient anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
A first plurality of strain gauge sensors may be mounted to a medial portion of the circuit board, and a second plurality of strain gauge sensors may be mounted to a lateral portion the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device may include a lower housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) received within the lower housing, a top housing, two plungers received in gaps within the top housing, and strain gauges mounted to the PCB. The strain gauges may define two polygons aligned with the two plungers. The two plungers may be in contact with the strain gauges such that a force on a plunger is transferred to the strain gauges in contact with the respective plunger. The load magnitude and load location may be determined based on the measured strain of the strain gauges.