Cascade Tube Connection Assembly for Adjustable Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The length of the cascade tube in surgical navigation systems is not adjustable, leading to inaccuracies and instability due to muscular and fatty cheeks impacting the cascade tube's extension out of the mouth during operations.
Innovation Solution
A connection device comprising a connection tube, butting tube, sleeve, and positioning balls, allowing for adjustable length adjustment and stable connection of cascade tubes through preliminary and secondary fixed connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cascade tube length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different patient conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cascade tube is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be connected through the connection device. Each section has connection protrusions and connection slots that allow for modular assembly, enabling the tube length to be adjusted by adding or removing sections based on patient-specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the cascade tube length can be modified during surgery. The connection slots and positioning balls allow for flexible configuration, transforming the fixed-length tube into an adjustable-length system that adapts to different oral cavity depths and patient anatomies.
2Measurement precision
If the cascade tube extends longer out of the mouth, then the position can be accurately obtained, but the tube may be loosened due to cheek muscle and fat impact
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device performs preliminary positioning actions through the positioning balls that engage with positioning holes before final tightening. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and prevents misalignment during surgery, maintaining both accuracy and stability. The connection protrusions are pre-configured to guide the connection slots into proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates a tightening mechanism that applies compensatory force to counteract the expected impact from cheek muscles and fat. The connection slots are designed with sufficient engagement depth and the positioning balls provide pre-compression, creating a cushioning effect that maintains connection stability despite external forces during surgery.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cascade tube is fixed in length, then manufacturing is simple, but connection accuracy deteriorates due to gaps between connected parts
Solution Approach 1:
The cascade tube is segmented into standardized sections with precisely manufactured connection interfaces. Each section has identical connection protrusions and connection slots, allowing for modular manufacturing. This segmentation enables high-precision connections through repeated standardized interfaces while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular production.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates adjustable parameters including the number of cascade tube sections and their configuration. The connection slots and positioning balls provide parameter control for precise alignment, allowing manufacturing tolerances to be compensated through the adjustment mechanism, thereby achieving high connection accuracy without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device and a surgical navigation system are provided. The connection device is configured to connect two adjacent cascade tubes of the surgical navigation system. The connection device includes: a connection tube, a butting tube, a sleeve, and positioning balls. The connection tube and the butting tube are respectively arranged at two ends of the cascade tubes. The butting tube on one of the cascade tubes is configured to sleeve an outer wall of the connection tube on the other cascade tube. The connection tube is provided with a connection protrusion. A connection slot communicated to the inside of the butting tube is provided in an inner wall of the butting tube.