Articulating Arm Positioning System for TMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning medical devices, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation coils, are either cumbersome and imprecise manual techniques or expensive and complex robotic systems, which are not suitable for clinical use due to their lack of repeatability and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system comprising a holder with a rotating arm and counterbalance, a headrest, and a computing device with video camera and fiducial markers for precise and repeatable placement of treatment instruments, allowing for intuitive and cost-effective positioning of medical devices like TMS magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used for positioning the treatment device, then the operator can freely move and place the device, but the placement is not accurate and cannot be repeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning device as an intermediary between the operator and the treatment device. This positioning device includes a holder that secures the treatment device and an articulating arm with multiple degrees of freedom that allows precise positioning. The holder acts as a mediator that maintains the treatment device in a fixed position relative to the positioning device while allowing the positioning device itself to be moved freely by the operator.
2Measurement precision
If complex robotic systems are used for positioning, then precise and repeatable placement is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into distinct functional components: a holder for securing the treatment device, an articulating arm with multiple segments for positioning, and a base for support. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or positioned. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex positioning capabilities through simple, modular components rather than a single complex robotic system.
3Measurement precision
If complex imaging or computational systems are used to determine spatial coordinates, then precise positioning reference is obtained, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is designed to be self-positioning through its articulating arm mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom. The device allows the operator to freely move and position the treatment device by hand, and the articulating arm automatically maintains the precise spatial relationship through its mechanical design. This eliminates the need for external imaging or computational systems to determine spatial coordinates, making the system self-sufficient for positioning tasks.
4Device complexity
If manual methods are used for positioning, then the equipment is simple and inexpensive, but the placement cannot be repeated accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to preliminarily secure the treatment device in a fixed position before treatment begins. The articulating arm is pre-configured with multiple degrees of freedom that allow it to be positioned and then locked in place. This preliminary positioning and securing action ensures that once the treatment device is placed, it remains in the exact same position for repeated treatments without requiring complex repositioning procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, repeatable, and time-efficient placement of medical devices, reducing operator dependency and costs while maintaining precision and flexibility in device positioning.
Implementation Method 1
Such rotation, as well as movement and rotation of other components with respect to each other may be facilitated by a ball bearing construction.
Data Source
AI summary
Just one embodiment of the invention includes a device, method and system for positioning a treatment instrument with respect to a patient. The novel device includes a holder for securing the treatment instrument (e.g., a magnetic stimulation device used for transcutaneous magnetic stimulation treatment of depression). The holder allows the treatment instrument to move about the patient. The device also includes a first arm that is coupled to the holder, and a vertical support that is coupled to the first arm. The first arm is substantially transverse to the vertical support, and may rotates about the vertical support in a horizontal axis. Such rotation, as well as movement and rotation of other components with respect to each other may be facilitated by a ball bearing construction.