Connection mechanisms for coupling printed circuit board modules to a ring in an automated and/or motorized spatial frame

Inventors

Janna, Sied W. • Wilson, Darren J.

Assignees

Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics AG • Smith and Nephew Asia Pacific Pte Ltd • Smith and Nephew Inc

Abstract

An automated and/or motorized spatial frame including a control unit and a plurality of motorized struts is disclosed. The control unit being configured as a controller for exchanging data with an external computing system, exchanging data with the plurality of motorized struts, and delivering power to the motorized struts. Thus arranged, the control unit may be configured as a fully integrated power supply and controller for powering and controlling the motorized struts. In some embodiments, the control unit includes a plurality of PCB modules, each positioned within the spaces or pockets formed between adjacent tabs on a ring of the frame. The PCB modules being detachably coupled to the ring. In some embodiments, the PCB modules may be detachably coupled to the ring via interconnecting male and female connectors. Alternatively, the PCB modules may be detachably coupled to the ring via a plurality of brackets.

Core Innovation

The disclosed invention relates to a motorized spatial frame for orthopedic use. The frame includes a first platform with a plurality of circumferential tabs and spaces, and a second platform, with a plurality of motorized struts coupled to the first and second platforms and configured to extend and retract in response to one or more electrical signals.

The motorized spatial frame includes one or more print circuit board (PCB) modules selectively coupled to the first platform. Each PCB module is positioned at least partially within the spaces between the tabs so that each PCB module resides within a height defined by the top and bottom surfaces of the first platform, and each PCB module includes a control unit electrically connected to one or more of the motorized struts and configured to provide the one or more electrical signals to the motorized struts, and a power source configured to supply power to the plurality of motorized struts.

The PCB modules are detachably coupled to the first platform using non-threaded connector assemblies. In embodiments, the connector assemblies include non-threaded interconnecting male connectors integrated into the PCB modules and female connectors integrated into the first platform, and in some embodiments the female connectors include external threads for threadably engaging an internally threaded hole formed in a sidewall of the first platform.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00009, and clm-00014, and they cover a motorized spatial frame using selectively coupled PCB modules positioned in tab-defined spaces, with each module providing control and power for motorized struts via electrical signals and detachable non-threaded connectors. Across the independent claims, three principal inventive-feature themes are established: tab-space positioning of PCB modules, electrical control and power delivery from the PCB modules to the struts, and detachable non-threaded coupling hardware structures between the PCB modules and the first platform.

Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage is directed to a motorized spatial frame in which PCB modules are selectively coupled within circumferential tab-defined spaces of a first platform, and each PCB module provides both control unit functionality and a power source to deliver electrical signals for motorized struts extending and retracting. The claims also cover detachable non-threaded connector assemblies between the PCB modules and the first platform, including embodiments with integrated male/female connector structure and, in some cases, female external threads engaging an internally threaded hole.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications