Wireless Strut Assembly With Automated Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strut assemblies for bone fixation and deformity correction lack automation, wireless connectivity, and efficient adjustment mechanisms, leading to cumbersome manual operations and limited monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An automated wireless strut assembly with a lead shaft, linear encoder, control circuitry, and motor housing, allowing for wireless communication and programmed adjustments, integrated into an external fixation system for precise bone manipulation and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used in strut assemblies, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and adjustment efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated electromechanical system. The motor assembly (90) drives a lead screw (22) to automatically adjust strut length, eliminating the need for manual threading or mechanical manipulation. This substitution of mechanical manual-operation with electromechanical automation directly resolves the contradiction by improving adjustment efficiency while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut assembly incorporates self-monitoring capabilities through the linear encoder (24) that continuously tracks lead shaft position and feeds data to control circuitry (42). The system can detect when adjustment targets are reached and communicate status wirelessly, enabling the device to monitor and report its own state without external intervention, thereby improving productivity while the integrated control manages complexity.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is added to strut assemblies, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired communication connections with wireless communication technology. The control circuitry (42) incorporates wireless transmitters that enable remote monitoring and control of strut assembly operations without physical cable connections. This substitution improves ease of operation by allowing surgeons to monitor and adjust struts remotely, while the integrated power management system addresses energy consumption concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a battery assembly (100) with power management circuitry that anticipates power requirements and manages energy consumption proactively. The linear encoder (24) and control circuitry (42) can operate in low-power modes when not actively adjusting, and the system pre-charges or pre-positions components to reduce real-time energy demands during critical adjustment operations, thereby managing energy consumption while maintaining wireless capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring capabilities are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and monitoring systems with electronic sensing and digital communication systems. The linear encoder (24) provides precise electronic measurement of lead shaft position, replacing mechanical calipers or visual measurement methods. This electronic measurement system integrates seamlessly with control circuitry (42) and wireless communication, improving measurement precision while the integrated design manages overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry (42) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the motor (90) drive, reads data from the linear encoder (24), processes position information, communicates wirelessly, and monitors battery status. By making the control circuitry multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring components, thereby improving measurement precision through integrated sensing while managing device complexity through consolidation of functions.
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 automated, wireless, and efficient adjustment of strut assemblies for bone deformity correction, providing real-time monitoring and reducing manual intervention, while ensuring durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a linear encoder embedded in the lead shaft
Implementation Method 2
a motor moves the lead shaft through wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
An automated wireless strut assembly having a lead assembly, a head assembly coupled to the lead assembly, a motor housing coupled to the lead assembly and the head assembly, and a battery assembly coupled to the lead assembly and the motor housing. The lead assembly has a lead shaft, a linear encoder, a control circuitry, an upper clevis having a first connector and a lower clevis having a second connector. A distance between the first and second connectors is automatically adjusted. A computer device automatically connects to the lead assembly through a circuit assembly. The lead assembly is programed through the computer device to make scheduled adjustments automatically.