Wireless Motorized Strut Assembly for Precise Bone Fixation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strut assemblies for bone fixation and alignment lack efficient, economical, and automated mechanisms for precise adjustment and monitoring, particularly in external fixation systems, which are complex and require manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An automated wireless strut assembly with a lead assembly and control assembly, featuring a locking sleeve, lead screw, and a control mechanism driven by a motor and angular position sensor, allowing for automated and manual adjustments, and integrated with a computer device for intelligent networking and self-management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used in strut assemblies, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment precision and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motor-driven lead screw mechanism. The motor rotates the lead screw, which converts rotational motion into linear motion of the strut, enabling automated length adjustment without manual intervention while maintaining mechanical reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular position sensor continuously monitors the lead screw rotation angle and provides feedback to the control system, enabling the strut assembly to automatically track and maintain precise positioning without external intervention. The system self-regulates through closed-loop feedback control.
2Measurement precision
If automated adjustment mechanisms are implemented, then adjustment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angular position sensor provides real-time feedback on the lead screw rotation angle to the control system. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control of strut length by continuously comparing actual position with target position and making corrective adjustments, achieving high measurement precision without excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates small angular rotations of the motor into precise linear displacement of the strut. This mechanical transmission ratio amplifies the precision of angular measurement into fine linear adjustment capability.
3Ease of operation
If wireless automated struts are used, then manual intervention is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strut assembly integrates multiple functions into a single modular unit: structural support, automated length adjustment, position sensing, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and manual operations while maintaining manufacturability through standardized modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated strut is designed as a modular assembly with distinct functional components (motor, lead screw, sensor, housing) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while simplifying overall production and assembly.
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 precise, automated adjustments with high accuracy and durability, reducing manual intervention and operational costs while maintaining system effectiveness for bone distraction and reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a lead assembly having a locking sleeve and a lead screw that passes through the locking sleeve
Implementation Method 2
the control assembly comprises a circuit assembly. The lead assembly further comprises a threaded rod having first and second index, an internal rod, and an end stop
Data Source
AI summary
An automated wireless strut assembly having a lead assembly, a control assembly coupled to the lead assembly, and a computer device. The lead assembly has a locking sleeve, a lead screw, a rod lower section, a lead nut chassis, an upper clevis, and first and second connectors. The control assembly has a main housing with a cover that houses a circuit assembly, a motor, a main coupling, a bearing, a main chassis, and a battery. The circuit assembly has an angular position sensor. The lead screw is driven by the motor to control the distance between the first and second connectors by engaging the lead nut chassis. The circuit assembly is wirelessly connected to the computer device, whereby the angular position sensor allows to automatically control the adjustment of the distance between the first and second connectors.