Automatic external fixator

Abstract

The proposed research aims to develop an external fixator servoatuado automatically, able to perform corrections of complex deformities and bone reconstruction in general, resulting in a product not yet available in the orthopedic market, thus ensuring great commercial impact, and benefit a large number of patients. The work begins with the feasibility study of the project, whose goal is the end of nine months of operation, building a working prototype capable of supporting two models of fixed bone - a fracture simulation - and hold the drive on a planned trajectory by software from a given starting position to a desired final position. It appears that the longest are the treatments, so the more complex are the changes to be made, the greater the chances of getting unwanted results at the end of therapy. Culminating in new surgery or residual deformities. These types of results occur primarily by errors in adjustment, whether the physician, the patient is because the exact design of therapy is often neglected over time. Thus, an automatic system that requires less frequent human intervention, could maximize the chance of success in these types of treatment. All movement of load planning, as well as of movements, would be left to a computer perform. And the physician to analyze and monitor what was predicted at the beginning of treatment. Besides the fact perform the movements of thorough way and plan every step, that kind of automatic fastener enable the need for fewer visits to the doctor and less radiation exposure, a fact that occurs when the doctor requires member radiographic images. The typical ways in which external fixation systems are made, is used heavy materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. The applicant company has developed a large part of the pieces of composite material using carbon fiber. Thus, the system would have additional benefits of light and X-rays, because the carbon fiber is permeable to X-rays. In order to provide the structure of the external fixator of automatic movements, provides for the inclusion of actuators. These are placed in each of six rods, which refers to the concept Hexapod and Stewart platform. The actuators are electric motors of size, power and torque consistent with the therapy needs. Such motors are controlled by an excitation circuit - power circuit - which is controlled by a microcontroller. The latter will be responsible for the storage path to be followed, as well as sample engine position data - states - and provide the necessary feedback to auxiliary software of treatment. The communication of the automatic fastener with the outside world will be through wireless technology, or to load or unload data. All electronics automatic fastener will be powered by a battery, capable of supplying digital systems and electric motors with a range such that the patient does not need to recharge the power system constantly. From the point of view of the doctor and the patient, the treatment can be followed via personal computer or smartphone, given that all communication will be wireless and that data will be available for consultation, even in real time. (AU)