Wireless Power for Orthopedic Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems for orthopedic implants face challenges in powering sensors due to the need for batteries, which increase the implant's size, require bone removal, and result in intermittent data collection due to finite battery life or recharging limitations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sensor-enabled orthopedic implants that can be wirelessly charged via inductive charging or RF energy, using energy harvesters to generate power from mobile computing devices, home base stations, or ambient RF signals, allowing for continuous and efficient data collection without the burden of frequent recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are implanted to power sensors in orthopedic implants, then sensors can be powered and data can be collected, but the implant size increases and requires removal of excess bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the implant itself and places it in an external device. The implant contains only the sensor and power receiving circuitry, while the battery resides in an external power providing device that communicates wirelessly with the implant. This separation allows the implant to be smaller and eliminates the need for additional bone removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical battery component with a wireless power transmission system. Instead of a physical battery occupying space within the implant, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power wirelessly from an external device to the implant, eliminating the need for internal power storage components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power sensors in orthopedic implants, then sensors can operate, but the battery has finite life requiring recharging which burdens the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the implant to recharge itself automatically when near the external power providing device. The system includes automatic detection and recharging capabilities where the implant can receive power without patient intervention, eliminating the need for manual recharging operations and reducing patient burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous operation of the sensor by maintaining the battery charged through automatic recharging cycles. The system continuously monitors power levels and initiates recharging when needed, ensuring the sensor operates continuously without interruption or patient intervention for battery replacement or recharging.
3Use of energy by moving object
If batteries with finite life are used in orthopedic implants, then initial power is provided, but data collection becomes intermittent due to recharging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous data collection by maintaining the battery in a charged state through automatic recharging. The system continuously monitors power levels and initiates recharging when needed, ensuring the sensor operates continuously without interruption, thereby maintaining reliable and continuous data collection throughout the implant's operational life.
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 continuous and efficient data collection from orthopedic implants, reducing the size and complexity of the implants, and minimizing patient inconvenience by providing power through wireless means, both in and out of the home environment.
Implementation Method 1
an external interrogation device comprising a wireless power signal generator for activating with the internal power device of the prosthetic implant
Implementation Method 2
sensor-enabled implantable orthopedic devices that can be charged by radio frequency energy, such as by use of an energy harvesting device
Data Source
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Figure 5A
AI summary
A surgical sensor system for collecting internal patient data comprises a prosthetic implant comprising a housing, a sensor disposed within the housing and an internal power device connected to the sensor; and an external interrogation device comprising a wireless power signal generator for activating with the internal power device of the prosthetic implant. A method of remotely interacting with a sensor device implanted in anatomy with an orthopedic device comprises generating a wireless powering signal, activating the sensor device with the wireless power signal, collecting sensor data from the sensor device, and wirelessly communicating the sensor data from the sensor device using a low-power wireless signal. A method comprises generating wireless powering signals within an operating room using an interrogation device, activating electronics within a sensor-enabled orthopedic device with the signals, collecting data from the electronics, and wirelessly communicating data from the electronics to the interrogation device.