Adjustable Neurostimulation Probe Tip Orientation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stimulation probe apparatuses have a fixed conductive probe tip orientation, limiting a surgeon's ability to selectively orient the probe for desired placement during electrophysiological testing, which restricts their ability to perform testing in diverse anatomical structures and procedures.

Innovation Solution

A stimulation probe apparatus with an adjustable conductive probe tip that is rotatable and pivotable relative to the handle assembly, allowing for independent rotation about a longitudinal axis and pivoting about a transverse axis, enabling precise orientation and placement of the probe tip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conductive probe tip has a fixed orientation with respect to the handle assembly, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surgeon's ability to selectively orient the probe for desired placement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to selectively orient probeVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the probe tip orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The tip adjustment structure allows the conductive probe tip to be rotated and pivoted to different angles during use, enabling the surgeon to selectively orient the probe for desired placement while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the probe assembly into separate functional components: the handle assembly, the tip adjustment structure, and the conductive probe tip. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the tip orientation while keeping the handle assembly simple, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the conductive probe tip is fixed relative to the handle assembly, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the surgeon cannot perform electrophysiological testing in diverse anatomical structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to test diverse anatomical structuresVSAvoiddevice manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tip adjustment structure provides dynamic adjustability of the probe tip angle, allowing the surgeon to adapt the probe orientation to diverse anatomical structures during electrophysiological testing. This dynamic capability is achieved through a mechanical adjustment mechanism that adds minimal manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable tip structure enables a single probe device to perform multiple functions across different anatomical structures and surgical procedures. The tip can be oriented at various angles to accommodate different testing requirements, making the device universal without requiring multiple specialized probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the probe tip orientation is fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but the precision of probe placement and stimulation current delivery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of probe placementVSAvoidprobe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tip adjustment structure allows dynamic positioning of the probe tip at precise angles relative to the handle assembly. This enables accurate placement and orientation of the conductive probe tip for precise stimulation current delivery, while the mechanical adjustment mechanism maintains reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the probe tip from fixed to adjustable. The tip adjustment structure enables modification of the tip angle parameter to achieve precise probe placement and optimal stimulation current delivery for different surgical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10322281B2Adjustable angle neuro stimulation probe apapratus

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 ZHANG XIALING

AI summary

A stimulation probe apparatus as provided herein offers adjustability of a conductive probe tip thereof relative to a handle assembly thereof to which the conductive probe tip is physically attached. The adjustability of the conductive probe tip relative to the handle assembly provide for a surgeon's ability to selectively orientate the conductive probe tip with respect to the handle assembly for enabling a desired placement of the conductive probe tip relative to the handle assembly. In this respect, by allowing a surgeon to selectively control the direction of the conductive probe tip to point in a desired angle, embodiments of the present invention serve clinical needs that help surgeon to perform electrophysiological testing in diverse anatomical structures and in diverse operation procedures.