Cannula Fixation Plate for Neurosurgical Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In neurosurgical procedures, existing drive systems often fail to apply an equal holding force to multiple electrodes, leading to incomplete or uneven advancement during less invasive procedures, which can compromise the accuracy and effectiveness of electrode insertion into the anatomy.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an array holder and a fixation plate that moves relative to the array holder to securely couple electrodes to the drive system, ensuring equal force application across multiple electrodes, facilitating simultaneous and precise insertion into the anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp is used to secure multiple electrodes to the drive system, then the electrodes can be held in place, but the clamp may not apply equal holding force to each electrode, resulting in partial advancement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple independent clamping elements (first clamping element, second clamping element, etc.), each capable of independently applying force to individual electrodes. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for uniform force distribution across multiple electrodes, resolving the issue of unequal holding force while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A compression spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the clamping elements and the electrodes. The spring provides a compliant mechanism that automatically distributes force evenly across all clamping elements, ensuring equal holding force is applied to each electrode without requiring precise mechanical adjustment.
2Device complexity
If a fixed clamp design is used to hold multiple electrodes, then the structure is simple, but the force application to each electrode is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a rigid fixed design to a dynamic design incorporating compression springs and movable clamping elements. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically adjusts to accommodate slight variations in electrode positioning, maintaining equal force distribution without requiring high manufacturing precision in the clamp structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design changes the force application parameter from direct rigid contact to spring-mediated compliant contact. This parameter change allows the system to tolerate variations in electrode positioning while maintaining consistent holding force, effectively decoupling force distribution uniformity from manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument holding system for a drive system is provided. The system can include an array holder that defines at least one bore for receipt of an instrument therethrough. The at least one instrument can be adapted for insertion into an anatomy. The array holder can be in communication with the drive system to receive a driving force. The system can include a fixation plate operable to move relative to the array holder such that the fixation plate is in contact with at least a portion of the at least one instrument to couple the at least one instrument to the array holder to enable the at least one instrument to be driven by the driving force into the anatomy.