Ultrasonic Waveguide Implant Sensor for Orthopedic Joint Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic joint replacement surgeries face challenges in accurately measuring and adapting to individual patient variations, leading to inconsistent outcomes and potential need for costly revisions, due to the lack of precise real-time data on implant balance and loading during surgery.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic measurement system employing a propagation tuned oscillator (PTO) or Phase Locked Loop (PLL) with zero-crossing and edge-detect receivers, which uses continuous or pulse modes to measure changes in ultrasonic wave propagation through a waveguide, providing real-time data on forces and pressures applied to orthopedic joints, enabling accurate implant placement and post-operative monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized orthopedic joint replacement procedures are used to meet general population needs, then the procedure can be widely applied, but individual patient variations cannot be accurately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with ultrasonic wave propagation systems. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the waveguide and implant, and changes in wave propagation characteristics (time of flight, frequency, phase) are measured to detect implant balance and loading conditions with high precision, enabling accurate adaptation to individual patient variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waveguide as an intermediary element between the ultrasonic transducer and the implant. The waveguide transmits ultrasonic waves through the implant and isolates the transducer from direct contact with the implant, enabling non-invasive measurement of implant characteristics while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If real-time measurement of implant balance and loading is implemented, then individual patient variations can be accurately addressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring implant balance, detecting loading conditions, monitoring wear, and evaluating implant integration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant itself serves as part of the measurement system by transmitting ultrasonic waves through its structure. The implant's material properties and structural characteristics naturally modulate the ultrasonic signal, providing measurement information without requiring additional sensors or complex instrumentation attached to the implant.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic wave propagation measurement is used to measure physical parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic ultrasonic wave transmission through the implant at different frequencies and time intervals. By analyzing changes in wave propagation characteristics over time, the system achieves high precision measurement of dynamic parameters such as force, pressure, and wear while using a relatively simple pulsed measurement approach rather than continuous complex monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures physical parameters by detecting changes in the temporal and frequency dimensions of ultrasonic wave propagation rather than using direct mechanical sensors. Changes in time of flight, frequency shifts, and phase variations provide multiple measurement dimensions from a single ultrasonic transmission, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
This solution allows for precise measurement of physical parameters like force, pressure, and wear, enhancing the accuracy of orthopedic joint replacements, reducing revision rates, and providing valuable data for improving joint design and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic measurement system employs a propagation tuned oscillator (PTO) or Phase Locked Loop (PLL) with zero-crossing and edge-detect receivers, which uses continuous or pulse modes to measure changes in ultrasonic wave propagation through a waveguide
Implementation Method 2
measure changes in ultrasonic wave propagation through a waveguide, providing real-time data on forces and pressures applied to orthopedic joints
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a capacitor, a signal generator, a digital counter, counter register, a digital clock, a digital timer, and a data register. The sensor of the measurement system is the capacitor. The measurement system generates a repeating signal having a measurement cycle that corresponds to the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises more than one capacitor mechanically in series. Electrically, the capacitor comprises more than one capacitor in parallel. In one embodiment, the capacitor includes a dielectric layer comprising polyimide. A force, pressure, or load is applied to the capacitor that elastically compresses the device. The capacitor is shielded from parasitic coupling and parasitic capacitance.