Buoyant Head Position Sensor for Retinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients face challenges in maintaining precise head positioning after retinal detachment or macular hole surgery, leading to potential surgical failures and vision loss due to inadequate positioning with existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A head position sensor that uses a buoyant member within a capsule to detect changes in head tilt angle, providing real-time guidance and alerting the patient when the proper position is not maintained, incorporating electrodes and a voltage/current detector with an alarm system for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If patients use traditional methods (eye patch with arrow) to maintain head positioning, then they can receive visual feedback about their head position, but they must continuously wear the eye patch and frequently check mirrors which reduces ease of operation and patient compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual feedback system (eye patch with arrow and mirror checking) with an electronic sensing system that uses a buoyant member, electrodes, and voltage detector to automatically sense and signal head position deviations, eliminating the need for continuous visual monitoring and improving patient compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically monitors head position and provides feedback without requiring patient intervention or continuous attention, allowing the system to serve itself by detecting position changes through the buoyant member's movement and electrodes, thereby improving ease of operation
2Reliability
If patients do not maintain precise head positioning, then they experience surgical failure and vision loss, but achieving and maintaining precise positioning is difficult with existing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the buoyant member moves with head position changes, electrodes detect voltage changes caused by this movement, and an alarm system provides real-time feedback to the patient when positioning deviates from the correct angle, thereby ensuring reliable surgical outcomes through continuous monitoring and correction
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyant member serves as an intermediary that translates head position changes into measurable electrical signals through its interaction with the liquid and electrodes, enabling indirect but accurate detection of positioning deviations without requiring direct measurement of the head angle
3Measurement precision
If the head position sensor uses a buoyant member and electrode system to detect position changes, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by employing a buoyant member floating in a liquid-filled capsule to detect head position changes; the liquid transmits the mechanical movement of the buoyant member to the electrodes, providing accurate position detection through a relatively simple fluid-based mechanism rather than complex electronic sensors
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
The sensor ensures accurate and comfortable long-term head positioning, reducing the risk of surgical failure and vision loss by providing a reliable method for patients to maintain the correct angle, thus optimizing surgical and visual outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a head position sensor that uses a buoyant member within a capsule to detect changes in head tilt angle
Implementation Method 2
the sensor detects in real time a change in the position of the patient's head
Implementation Method 3
The first and second electrodes are fixed to the capsule to define a sensor meridian... and the distal portions being configured to form a circuit with the liquid or the contact member. The voltage/current detector is configured to detect a change in a state of the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A position sensing apparatus includes a position sensor, a voltage/current detector, and an alarm. The position sensor is coupled to the body part and includes a capsule, and first and second electrodes. The capsule has an interior volume configured to contain a liquid with a first density, and a contact member having a second density different from the first density. The first and second electrodes are fixed to the capsule to define a sensor meridian that is coupled to a tilt angle of the body part, with each electrode having a distal portion in the interior volume of the capsule, and the distal portions being configured to form a circuit with the liquid or the contact member. The voltage/current detector is configured to detect a change in a state of the circuit, and the alarm is configured to respond to the voltage/current detector.