Implantable Wire Assembly for Bone Biomechanical Force Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone support devices fail to accurately replicate biomechanical forces present in healthy bones, limiting their effectiveness in providing long-term, customizable internal support for unhealthy bones while also being costly and complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A customizable wire assembly device that can be implanted into bones, featuring various configurations (single, secondary, bipartite, and compound wire assemblies) with titanium wires and an actuator to replicate biomechanical forces by changing the distance between components, allowing the wires to move from a parallel to a bowed configuration for secure interaction with the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional internal support devices (screws, rods, pins) are used, then long-term support is provided, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase while failing to accurately replicate biomechanical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a compression plate with threaded holes, a central shaft with actuator, and multiple titanium wires arranged in specific patterns. Each segment serves a specific function - the compression plate provides structural anchoring, the actuator enables force application, and the titanium wires replicate biomechanical stress patterns. This segmentation allows for customized configuration to match specific bone anatomy and force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static support structure to a dynamic system that can actively replicate biomechanical forces. The actuator mechanism allows the central shaft to move, which in turn adjusts the tension in the titanium wires, enabling the device to apply and modulate forces dynamically to match the biomechanical environment of healthy bone.
2Duration of action of moving object
If external support (splint or cast) is used, then short-term support is provided, but the device complexity is reduced and movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The titanium wires act as intermediaries between the compression plate and the bone structure. These wires can be configured in various patterns (single, secondary, bipartite, compound) to selectively engage with the bone, providing support while allowing controlled movement. The wires serve as a flexible intermediary that transmits forces while accommodating physiological motion.
3Manufacturing precision
If customized wire assemblies are constructed for specific bone anatomy, then accuracy in replicating biomechanical forces is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for parameter changes in wire configuration, number of wires, wire positioning, and actuator settings to be adjusted according to specific bone anatomy. The compression plate can be positioned at different distances from the base member, and the number of titanium wires can be varied. These parameter adjustments enable customization for different bones (femur, tibia, humerus, etc.) without requiring entirely different device designs, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while achieving high precision.
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
The device effectively provides internal support by replicating biomechanical forces, allowing for easy use, cost-effectiveness, and customization to specific bone anatomy, enhancing bone healing while minimizing movement restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
Interconnecting the compression plate with the base member is a plurality of titanium wires... each wire being the same lateral distance away from the axis... the wires are compressed and are deployed to extend laterally outward from the axis in a bowed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for insertion into a human bone to replicate the biomechanical forces found in a healthy bone in a human skeleton. The device can be configured in several different ways and is customizable to meet the requirements of a particular bone. The device is constructed with a central shaft having a compression plate at one end and a base member at the other. A plurality of wires interconnects the compression plate and the base member. The central shaft is threaded at both ends, with one end threaded into the base member and the other end threaded into the compression plate. An actuator is used to urge the base member in the direction of the compression plate. This action forces the plurality of wires to bow in an outward direction to stabilize the device against the bony surface on the interior surface of a bone.