Transdermal Implant External Spindle for Non-Surgical Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard transdermal medical implants lack the ability to adjust compressive force without additional surgical procedures, as the compliant fixation mechanism is compressed over time, leading to potential bone resorption and loss of spring force.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal implant assembly with a longitudinally extending shaft and spindle design, where the compliant biasing member is accessible externally for adjustments, allowing for force adjustments without surgery and incorporating sensors for monitoring operational parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implant is entirely disposed within the body with a predetermined spring force, then the implant provides initial compressive force to prevent bone resorption, but the spring force is lost over time due to subsidence and cannot be adjusted without additional surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into internal components (shaft, anchor plug) and external components (spindle, end cap). The spindle extends through the dermal layer to allow external access to the compliant mechanism, enabling force adjustment without surgical procedures while maintaining reliable compressive force on the bone.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle acts as an intermediary element that transmits adjustment forces from the external environment to the compliant mechanism inside the body. This mediator allows non-invasive adjustment of the spring force by providing a mechanical interface that extends through the skin.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the compliant mechanism is compressed less over time, then the implant structure remains stable, but the spring force is lost leading to bone resorption
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a static, fixed-force design to a dynamic system where the spring force can be adjusted over time. The external access to the compliant mechanism allows the compressive force to be dynamically modified to compensate for subsidence and maintain bone contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force parameter can be changed by adjusting the compression of the compliant mechanism through the external spindle interface. This allows modification of the mechanical properties of the implant without replacing the entire device, adapting the force output to changing physiological conditions.
3Force
If additional surgical procedures are performed to adjust the implant force, then the compressive force can be restored, but the patient undergoes additional surgery and recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The implant provides self-service capability for force adjustment through the external spindle interface. Patients or healthcare providers can adjust the compressive force without requiring surgical intervention, eliminating the need for additional surgeries and associated recovery time.
4Ease of operation
If the implant is designed with external access components, then force adjustments can be made without surgery, but the implant complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a seal for the cavity, and serves as an adjustment interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while enabling non-surgical adjustability.
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 non-surgical force adjustments and monitoring, reducing bone resorption and promoting bone growth by maintaining optimal compressive force, thus enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of the implant.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant biasing member disposed within the cavity and accessible for adjustments from the external environment
Data Source
AI summary
A transdermal implant assembly including a transdermal bone fixator configured for anchoring into a bone. The fixator includes a longitudinally extending shaft configured to be received into a recess of the bone, and a spindle defining a cavity. A compliant biasing member is disposed within the cavity and an end cap is removably coupled to the spindle to seal the cavity. The compliant biasing member is accessible for adjustments from the external environment.