3D printing brain tumor positioning device

By combining a 3D-printed helmet with pressure sensors and an intelligent control system, the helmet's position and ventilation vents are dynamically adjusted, solving the problem of inaccurate positioning in existing devices. This achieves precise positioning and comfortable adjustment, improving the effectiveness of intracranial tumor treatment and enhancing the patient experience.

CN224523272UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-21SHENZHEN UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHENZHEN UNIV
Filing Date
2025-03-26
Publication Date
2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing 3D-printed brain tumor localization devices cannot automatically adjust according to the patient's physiological differences and changes in head posture, resulting in inaccurate localization, which affects the precision of treatment and patient comfort.

Method used

The 3D-printed helmet combines pressure sensors, a control system, electromagnets, and permanent magnets. Through an intelligent adjustment system and dynamic feedback mechanism, it monitors and adjusts the helmet's position and the opening and closing of the ventilation holes in real time. Combined with a miniature camera and temperature sensor, it achieves precise positioning and comfort adjustment.

Benefits of technology

It achieves dynamic response based on changes in patient head posture and tumor location, ensuring accurate positioning, improving treatment efficacy, reducing damage to normal tissues, and enhancing patient comfort and cooperation during treatment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printing brain tumor positioning device, the 3D printing brain tumor positioning device includes the helmet that 3D prints according to patient head and neck shape, pressure sensor and control system, the helmet is equipped with the inside in the side close to human skin, is equipped with the outside in the side away from human skin, the inside of helmet sets up a plurality of pressure sensor for monitoring each position of head according to certain interval, control system electricity is connected in pressure sensor, control system drive connects in helmet. The problem of inaccuracy of positioning caused by physiological difference is solved, and the dynamic response of patient head position, posture and pressure change can be realized through the setting of pressure sensor and intelligent control system device, so that the optimal positioning of positioning device can be ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of brain tumor localization devices, and in particular to a 3D-printed brain tumor localization device. Background Technology

[0002] Intracranial tumors, also known as brain tumors, refer to tumors of the nervous system that occur within the cranial cavity. These include tumors originating from neuroepithelium, peripheral nerves, meninges, and germ cells; tumors of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues; craniopharyngiomas and granular cell tumors in the sella turcica region; and metastatic tumors. While advancements in diagnostic methods have gradually improved diagnostic accuracy, a significant number of tumors still lack typical imaging features, making diagnosis difficult. Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of clinical, imaging, and pathological findings. During craniocerebral surgery, surgeons first need to locate the tumor target area, then select a safe and appropriate drilling point in the skull, and simultaneously design the puncture path.

[0003] In the localization and treatment of intracranial tumors, precise positioning devices are crucial for improving treatment outcomes, minimizing damage to normal tissues, and increasing the success rate of surgery or radiotherapy. In recent years, with the development of 3D printing technology, some medical institutions have begun to explore the use of 3D printing to create personalized intracranial tumor positioning devices. These devices, by customizing the support frame according to the specific shape of the patient's head, can improve positioning accuracy and offer better comfort. However, most existing 3D-printed positioning devices only have a fixed function and cannot automatically adjust according to changes in the patient's head posture or tumor location. Patient physiological differences and varying treatment needs are not fully considered, affecting the accuracy of treatment and patient comfort during the process.

[0004] Therefore, a new 3D-printed brain tumor localization device is needed to address the current shortcomings in accurate localization caused by physiological differences. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a 3D-printed brain tumor localization device to solve the problem of inaccurate localization caused by existing physiological differences.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A 3D-printed brain tumor localization device includes a helmet 3D-printed according to the shape of a patient's head and neck, pressure sensors, and a control system. The helmet has an inner side closer to the skin and an outer side further away from the skin. Multiple pressure sensors for monitoring various positions of the head are arranged at certain intervals on the inner side of the helmet. The control system is electrically connected to the pressure sensors and driven by the helmet.

[0007] Furthermore, the helmet has ventilation holes on its outer side.

[0008] Furthermore, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes an electromagnet and a permanent magnet; a slide is provided at the location of the ventilation hole on the outer side of the helmet; the electromagnet is fixedly installed at one end of the slide, and the permanent magnet is slidably installed in the slide; the electromagnet is electrically connected to the control system.

[0009] Furthermore, the control system includes a crossbar, a robotic arm, and a main control chip; one end of the robotic arm, which moves in the YOZ plane, is fixedly connected to the helmet, and the other end is slidably connected to the crossbar; the robotic arm is electrically connected to the main control chip.

[0010] Furthermore, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes a miniature camera; the miniature camera is located at a preset position on the inside of the helmet; the camera is electrically connected to the main control chip.

[0011] Furthermore, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes an adjustment material composed of memory foam or gel material; the adjustment material is closely attached to the inside of the helmet and covers the pressure sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is located at a preset position inside the helmet; the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the main control chip.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Combining pressure sensors and an intelligent control system, the device can dynamically respond to changes in the patient's head position, posture, and pressure, ensuring optimal positioning at all times.

[0014] 2. Through image recognition and positioning cameras, the device can correct positioning errors in real time to ensure accurate treatment.

[0015] 3. Multiple methods, such as memory foam and temperature control system, are used to optimize patient comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this utility model. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this utility model can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a helmet according to an embodiment of a 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control device of an embodiment of the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device of the present invention.

[0019] Illustration: 100, Helmet; 200, Pressure sensor; 300, Control system; 400, Vent; 500, Electromagnet; 600, Permanent magnet; 310, Crossbar; 320, Robotic arm; 330, Main control chip. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the utility model's objectives, features, and advantages more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a component centrally located at the same time.

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a helmet according to an embodiment of a 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control device of an embodiment of the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device of the present invention.

[0024] Example 1 This invention provides a 3D-printed brain tumor localization device. This device can accurately locate the tumor area and provide support and fixation, assisting doctors in performing precise surgery or radiotherapy. The device integrates 3D printing technology, an intelligent adjustment system, a dynamic feedback mechanism, and comfort adjustment functions, optimizing the positioning accuracy and comfort of patients during treatment.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device includes a helmet 100 3D-printed according to the shape of the patient's head and neck, pressure sensors 200, and a control system 300; the side of the helmet 100 closest to the human skin is designated as the inner side, and the side furthest from the human skin is designated as the outer side; multiple pressure sensors 200 for monitoring various positions of the head are arranged at certain intervals on the inner side of the helmet 100; the control system 300 is electrically connected to the pressure sensors 200; and the control system 300 is driven by the helmet 100.

[0026] It should be noted that in the treatment of intracranial tumors, precise positioning devices are crucial for improving treatment outcomes, reducing damage to normal tissues, and increasing the success rate of surgery or radiotherapy. Customizing the frame according to the specific shape of the patient's head can improve positioning accuracy and provide better comfort. Using skin-friendly materials as 3D printing materials, such as medical-grade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), medical-grade silicone, polylactic acid, etc., the helmet 100, 3D printed according to the shape of the patient's head and neck, can fit closely to the patient's head and neck, making treatment easier. Secondly, the side of the helmet 100 closest to the human skin is designated as the inner side, and the side furthest from the human skin as the outer side. This is because the helmet 100 is 3D printed based on a scan of the human head and neck, which is commonly shaped like the human brain, i.e., elliptical. However, the helmet 100 is not limited to an elliptical shape; it can also be a cuboid, a sphere, or a cube, etc. For better treatment results, it needs to fit the human body closely, so an elliptical shape is preferred. Regardless of the shape chosen, there will be an opening. The patient's brain enters through the opening, and the skin directly contacts its inner wall. Therefore, the side in contact with the skin is defined as the inner side, and the side furthest from the skin is defined as the outer side.

[0027] Furthermore, the pressure sensor 200 detects the pressure in various parts of the brain to determine whether the body feels comfortable. Then, the control system 300 adjusts the position of the helmet 100 so that the pressure in each part tends to normal values. Therefore, in order to detect more accurate pressure values, several pressure sensors 200 are preferably evenly arranged on the inner side of the helmet 100, which can realize intelligent adjustment and automatic adjustment of support force and position to ensure that tumor positioning remains accurate at all times.

[0028] Example 2 Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment further proposes that the helmet 100 has a ventilation hole 400 on its outer side; the 3D printed brain tumor positioning device also includes an electromagnet 500 and a permanent magnet 600; a slide is provided at the location where the ventilation hole 400 is provided on the outer side of the helmet 100; the electromagnet 500 is fixedly provided at one end of the slide, and the permanent magnet 600 is slidably provided in the slide; the electromagnet 500 is electrically connected to the control system 300.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ventilation holes 400 can improve patient comfort, reduce skin discomfort, improve temperature regulation, and prevent skin allergies or infections caused by moisture accumulation by promoting breathability, thereby improving patient tolerance and treatment compliance. In particular, some treatments may cause patients to sweat and experience discomfort, such as the heating caused by magnetic therapy. When the temperature reaches a certain level, the patient will sweat. Since the inner side of the helmet 100 is basically in contact with the skin, the ventilation holes 400 can keep the treatment area ventilated and dry, improving patient comfort.

[0030] Furthermore, in order to flexibly control the ventilation function of the vent 400, a slide is provided at the location of the vent 400 on the helmet 100, and the slide is preferably a rectangular groove. An electromagnet 500 and a permanent magnet 600 are provided at one end of the vent 400 near the slide, and the ventilation of the vent 400 is adjusted by using the principle of like poles repelling and unlike poles attracting. Specifically, when the electromagnet 500 is not energized, it attracts the permanent magnet 600. The electromagnet 500 is fixed to one end of the slide rail, while the permanent magnet 600 is slidably positioned within the slide rail. Therefore, the permanent magnet 600 slides towards and attracts the electromagnet 500. Assuming the permanent magnet 600 is not positioned on the vent 400 at this time (it can also be positioned precisely on the vent 400), this embodiment uses the end of the permanent magnet 600 closest to the electromagnet 500 as the N pole. At this time, the helmet 100 is not operating, and the vent 400 is open. After the helmet 100 is energized, adjusting the current direction in the wire wound around the electromagnet 500 can change the magnetic pole displayed by the electromagnet 500. If the end of the permanent magnet 600 that is close to the permanent magnet 600 has the same polarity as the end of the permanent magnet 600 that is close to the electromagnet 500, then the permanent magnet 600 moves away from the electromagnet 500. At this time, the permanent magnet 600 reaches above the vent hole 400, blocking the vent hole 400 and making it closed. If the end of the permanent magnet 600 that is close to the permanent magnet 600 has the opposite polarity to the end of the permanent magnet 600 that is close to the electromagnet 500, then the permanent magnet 600 moves towards the electromagnet 500. At this time, the permanent magnet 600 reaches above the vent hole 400 and makes it open. Furthermore, by energizing the wire wound around the electromagnet 500 with the control system 300, the magnetism of the electromagnet 500 can be controlled by the control system 300, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the vent hole 400.

[0031] Example 3 Combined Figure 3 Furthermore, the control system 300 is proposed to include a crossbar 310, a robotic arm 320, and a main control chip 330; the robotic arm 320, which moves in the YOZ plane, is fixedly connected to the helmet 100 at one end and slidably connected to the crossbar 310 at the other end; the robotic arm 320 is electrically connected to the main control chip 330.

[0032] It should be noted that the two ends of the crossbar 310 are fixed to a certain location or device, depending on the actual use scenario. Secondly, this application defines the X-axis as the axial direction along the crossbar 310, the Y-axis as the radial direction of the crossbar 310, and the Z-axis as the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis. The YOZ plane simply represents the plane in which the robotic arm 320 moves along the surface. The YOZ plane is a plane perpendicular to the crossbar 310. The robotic arm 320 can move along the Y-axis and Z-axis by being fixedly connected to the helmet 100. Since the robotic arm 320 and the crossbar 310 are slidably connected, the helmet 100 can move along the X-axis. Therefore, under the control system 300, the main control chip 330 can intelligently control the movement of the helmet 100 along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0033] Furthermore, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes a miniature camera; the miniature camera is positioned at a preset location on the inner side of the helmet 100; the camera is electrically connected to the main control chip 330. It should be noted that, combined with computer vision algorithms, the device captures the position, angle, and tumor location of the patient's head in real time, performing dynamic comparison and real-time feedback. It also uses image recognition technology to detect the relative position of the tumor and, combined with 3D data calculations, adjusts the patient's head posture, that is, adjusts the helmet 100 to a suitable position, ensuring accurate tumor localization.

[0034] Furthermore, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes an adjustment material composed of memory foam or gel material; the adjustment material is closely attached to the inner side of the helmet 100 and covers the pressure sensor 200.

[0035] Furthermore, the 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is located at a preset position inside the helmet 100; the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the main control chip 330. It should be noted that the main control chip 330 can adjust the opening and closing of the vent 400 by detecting the data from the temperature sensor. If the temperature sensor data is too high, the vent 400 is opened for heat dissipation and ventilation; conversely, if the temperature is too low, the vent 400 is closed.

[0036] By combining 3D printing technology, an intelligent adjustment system, and a dynamic feedback mechanism, a high-precision and comfortable 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device is provided. This device allows for the customization of the helmet 100 according to the specific shape of the patient's head and neck, achieving precise tumor localization and minimizing damage to normal tissues. Through the cooperation of a pressure sensor 200 and a control system 300, the position of the helmet 100 can be monitored and adjusted in real time to ensure accurate positioning. Simultaneously, the design of the ventilation holes 400 improves patient comfort, preventing moisture accumulation and discomfort. The adjustment mechanism of the electromagnet 500 and permanent magnet 600 allows for flexible control of the opening and closing of the ventilation holes 400. Combined with a miniature camera and computer vision technology, the tumor location can be monitored in real time and the helmet can be automatically adjusted, further improving treatment effectiveness and patient compliance. Furthermore, the application of temperature sensors and adjusting materials ensures helmet comfort and temperature control in the treatment area, thereby optimizing the accuracy of the treatment process and the patient experience.

[0037] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed brain tumor localization device, characterized in that, The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device includes a helmet, pressure sensors, and a control system, all 3D-printed according to the shape of the patient's head and neck. The side of the helmet closest to the human skin is designated as the inner side, and the side furthest from the human skin is designated as the outer side. Multiple pressure sensors for monitoring various positions of the head are arranged at certain intervals on the inside of the helmet. The control system is electrically connected to the pressure sensor; The control system is connected to the helmet.

2. The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The helmet has ventilation holes on the outside.

3. The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes an electromagnet and a permanent magnet; The helmet has a slide rail located at the location of the ventilation holes on its outer side; The electromagnet is fixedly installed at one end of the slide rail, and the permanent magnet is slidably installed inside the slide rail; The electromagnet is electrically connected to the control system.

4. The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system includes a crossbar, a robotic arm, and a main control chip; One end of the robotic arm, which moves within the YOZ plane, is fixedly connected to the helmet, while the other end is slidably connected to the crossbar. The robotic arm is electrically connected to the main control chip.

5. The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The 3D-printed brain tumor localization device also includes a miniature camera; The miniature camera is positioned at a predetermined location on the inside of the helmet; The camera is electrically connected to the main control chip.

6. The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device also includes a conditioning material composed of memory foam or gel material; The adjustment material is attached tightly to the inside of the helmet and covers the pressure sensor.

7. The 3D-printed intracranial tumor localization device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The 3D-printed brain tumor localization device also includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is located at a predetermined position inside the helmet; The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the main control chip.