Method and Devices for Intracorporeal Bonding of Implants with Thermal Energy

Abstract

A system for dynamically controlling a weld profile includes a generator, and end effector, a sensor, and a computer. The generator is configured to supply energy based on the weld profile. The end effector operatively connected to the generator and configured to apply vibratory energy and pressure to an object. The sensor configured to provide an output with respect to the object. The computer configured to monitor the output and change the weld profile of the generator based on the output.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for dynamically controlling a weld profile, the system comprising:
 a generator configured to supply energy based on the weld profile;   an end effector operatively connected to the generator and configured to apply vibratory energy and pressure to an object;   a sensor configured to provide an output with respect to the object; and   a computer configured to monitor the output and change the weld profile of the generator based on the output.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a position sensor configured to change the weld profile of the generator based on a position of the end effector. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a force sensor configured to change the weld profile of the generator based on a force applied relative to the object. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a transducer is configured to provide vibratory energy to the end effector and an electrical property of the transducer is used to monitor a force applied relative to the object. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second sensor configured to measure collapse of the object. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second sensor including at least one of an optic, laser, or hall-effect sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a mechanical stop configured to prevent collapse of the object after a predetermined point. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the change in the weld profile includes a change in wave amplitude. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the weld profile is based on a preset weld current. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the weld profile is based on a preset weld time. 
     
     
         11 . A system for dynamically controlling a weld profile, the system comprising:
 a generator configured to supply energy based on the weld profile;   an end effector operatively connected to the generator and configured to apply vibratory energy and pressure to an object;   a position sensor configured to translate a position of the end effector into an output; and   a computer configured to monitor the output and change the weld profile of the generator based on the output.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the output is indicative of an amount of collapse of the object. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a mechanical stop configured to prevent collapse of the object after a predetermined point. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the position sensor includes a linear variable displacement transducer. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a force sensor. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a sensor including at least one of an optic, laser, or hall-effect sensor. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the change in the weld profile includes a change in wave amplitude. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the weld profile is based on a preset weld current. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the weld profile is based on a preset weld time. 
     
     
         20 . A system for dynamically controlling a weld profile, comprising:
 a generator configured to supply energy based on weld profile associated with a material type of an object to be welded;   an end effector operatively connected to the generator and configured to apply vibratory energy and pressure to an object; and   a computer configured to provide a parameter set to the generator associated with the type of polymer.   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the parameter set includes at least one of time, power, pressure, frequency, or wavelength. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising a position sensor. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising a force sensor. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the computer is configured to change the weld profile of the generator based on a change in impedance of the generator. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising a sensor including at least one of an optic, laser, or hall-effect sensor. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising a mechanical stop configured to prevent collapse of the object after a predetermined point. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the change in the weld profile includes a change in wave amplitude. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the weld profile is based on a preset weld current. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the weld profile is based on a preset weld time.