Wireless Bone Growth Stimulator With RF Power Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of healing bone fractures, such as using casts or splints, are time-consuming and may not ensure effective bone healing, while existing bone stimulating devices connected to a power supply via a wire limit their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly powered bone growth stimulator that includes an antenna to receive electromagnetic signals, a supercapacitor for energy storage, and electrodes to stimulate bone growth, eliminating the need for a physical connection to a power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired bone growth stimulator connected to an implanted power supply is used, then the stimulator can provide continuous electrical energy to stimulate bone growth, but the physical connection limits the effectiveness and increases surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the stimulator device itself and separates it into a remote external power source. The implantable stimulator contains only the antenna and stimulation electrodes, while the power supply is located externally and wirelessly transmits energy through the antenna to the implant, eliminating the need for internal wiring and complex surgical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the external power source and the implantable stimulator. The antenna system acts as a mediator that couples the external power supply to the implant without physical contact, enabling wireless power transmission through biological tissue.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a cast or splint is used to limit motion at the fracture site, then bone segments can be aligned for healing, but the healing process takes weeks or months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical stimulation to the bone fracture site immediately after alignment is achieved, rather than waiting for natural healing to begin. This preliminary application of stimulatory energy accelerates the bone healing process by activating osteogenic cells and promoting callus formation, reducing the overall healing time from months to weeks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters at the fracture site by applying controlled electrical energy. The electrical stimulation alters the electrochemical environment of bone tissue, promoting faster mineralization and osteoblast activity, thereby accelerating the healing process while maintaining proper alignment.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional bone healing methods are used, then bone fractures can be treated without surgery, but healing may not always be successful and takes a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the bone tissue to heal itself more effectively by providing it with electrical energy that mimics the body's natural electrochemical signals. The stimulator delivers controlled electrical pulses that activate the bone's inherent healing mechanisms, allowing the bone to repair itself faster and more reliably without requiring complex surgical interventions or prolonged immobilization.
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 bone growth stimulator accelerates bone healing by providing electrical energy directly to the fracture site without the limitations of wired power supplies, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to receive electromagnetic signals in a radio frequency band
Implementation Method 2
a controller having a power source including a supercapacitor electrically connected to the antenna. The supercapacitor stores a charge in accordance with the electromagnetic signals received by the antenna
Implementation Method 3
Electrical energy travelling from the anode to the cathode stimulates bone growth in a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A bone growth stimulator includes an antenna configured to receive electromagnetic signals in a radio frequency band, and a controller having a power source including a supercapacitor electrically connected to the antenna. The supercapacitor stores a charge in accordance with the electromagnetic signals received by the antenna. The bone growth stimulator further includes a cathode extending from the controller to a desired location of bone growth and an anode electrically connected to the power source and extending from the controller. Electrical energy travelling from the anode to the cathode stimulates bone growth in a patient.