Universal Orthopedic Implant Payload for Precise Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implants with integrated electronics and sensors are limited by their specific sizes and configurations, making it difficult to integrate a universal component across various implant types during surgical implantation.
Innovation Solution
A universal payload with a housing, sensors, and a payload coupling feature that can be integrated into different orthopedic implants, including a payload receptacle, alignment, and securing mechanisms to ensure proper orientation and secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If orthopedic implants are designed with specific sizes and configurations for different joints, then the implant performance and fit are optimized, but the ability to integrate a universal payload component across various implant types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal payload component with a standardized form factor and coupling mechanism that can be integrated into multiple different orthopedic implant types (knee, shoulder, hip arthroscopy systems). The payload includes a standardized interface that accepts various implant configurations while maintaining consistent functionality, allowing a single payload design to serve multiple implant platforms without requiring reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If electronics and sensors are built into implants during manufacturing, then the implant functionality is enhanced, but the flexibility to integrate such components at the time of surgical implant is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the implant system into two separate components: the orthopedic implant itself and the universal payload component. This segmentation allows the implant to be manufactured without integrated electronics, maintaining manufacturing simplicity, while enabling the payload (containing sensors and electronics) to be added separately during surgical implantation. The payload can be selectively attached to different implant types at the time of surgery, providing operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal payload is designed to fit multiple implant types, then the adaptability is improved, but the precision of sensor orientation and alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric alignment features on the universal payload that complement specific asymmetric receptacles in different implant types. Each implant type has a uniquely shaped receptacle with corresponding alignment features (such as protrusions, recesses, or geometric keyways) that guide the payload into the correct orientation. This asymmetric pairing ensures precise sensor alignment for each specific implant type while maintaining the universal design capability across multiple implant platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal payload may be integrated with each of a plurality of different orthopedic implants configured to replace or functionally supplement a natural joint of a body. In one aspect, a universal payload includes an electronics assembly, a housing enclosing the electronics assembly, and a payload coupling feature configured to couple to each of a plurality of different orthopedic implants. The electronics assembly includes at least one sensor and a controller having at least two joint-specific modules. Each joint-specific module is respectively configured to collect kinematic data resulting from movement of a respective specific joint sensed by the at least one sensor. In another aspect, a universal payload includes an electronics assembly comprising at least one sensor and a housing enclosing the electronics assembly. The universal payload has a payload form factor that is configured to be at least partially inserted into a payload receptacle in each of a plurality of different orthopedic implants.