Counterweighted Arm for Stable Medical Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning medical devices like TMS coils during transcranial magnetic stimulation or radiation therapy face challenges in maintaining accuracy and reducing operator fatigue, leading to potential inaccuracies and difficulties in maintaining precise positioning over time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a first arm with a counterweight arrangement, supported by a second arm and a base that defines a curve, mounted on a chair, allowing for precise and stable positioning of medical devices with reduced operator fatigue through counterweighting and adjustable movement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual placement technique is used to position TMS coil, then operator can adjust position freely, but operator fatigue increases and positioning accuracy decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into multiple segments: a base mounted on the chair, a first arm for device positioning with counterweight arrangement, and a second arm supporting the first arm. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the counterweight arrangement reduces operator effort while the articulated arms provide precise positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A counterweight arrangement is provided on the first arm to counterbalance the weight of the TMS coil device. This reduces the effort required by the operator to move and position the device, thereby decreasing operator fatigue and maintaining positioning accuracy over longer periods.
2Duration of action of moving object
If TMS coil is held manually for extended periods, then treatment sessions can continue, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning where the first arm can be moved to different positions along the curved path defined by the second arm. This allows the device to be repositioned easily during treatment sessions without requiring the operator to manually hold it in place, maintaining accuracy over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight arrangement on the first arm compensates for device weight, reducing operator fatigue during extended treatment sessions and maintaining positioning precision throughout the entire session duration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed positioning structure is used for TMS device, then positioning stability is improved, but adaptability to different positions on patient's head is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second arm is configured to move along a curved path, allowing the first arm to reach multiple positions around the patient's head while maintaining stable positioning at each location. The curvature of the path provides both stability through defined motion constraints and versatility through multiple accessible positions.
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 apparatus enhances accuracy and reduces operator fatigue, enabling more precise and stable positioning of medical devices, minimizing errors and allowing for longer sessions without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a first arm configured to accept a device, the first arm comprising a first counterweight arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, comprising a first arm configured to accept a device, the first arm comprising a first counterweight arrangement, a second arm supporting the first arm by a coupling, and a base defining a curve and having the second arm mounted thereon, wherein the second arm is movable along the curve, the base configured to be mounted on a chair. The second arm may be furnished with a second counterweight arrangement.