Cranial Electrode Locking Ring for Stable Burr Hole Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrodes in cranial hole securing devices are prone to displacement, leading to stimulation failures due to the small and precise nature of the stimulated brain points, which compromises the effectiveness of electrode stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A cranial hole electrode securing device comprising a cranial ring, electrode lock, and locking assembly, where the locking assembly applies an acting force to compress and clamp the electrode lock, ensuring positional stability and reducing displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple electrode lock is used to clamp the electrode, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electrode displacement increases leading to stimulation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lock is nested within the extension portion of the cranial ring, with the locking assembly nested within the extension portion. The electrode lock contains a clamping opening that receives the electrode, while the locking assembly provides external compression through the through hole. This nested configuration achieves reliable electrode fixation without requiring a complex external securing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion acts as an intermediary element between the cranial ring and the electrode lock. It provides a through hole that allows the locking assembly to apply compression force to the electrode lock from the outside, enabling indirect control of the electrode position without direct manipulation of the electrode itself.
2Ease of operation
If the electrode lock is made loose for easy insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the electrode displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lock transitions from a loose state during insertion to a compressed state during fixation. The locking assembly can be moved to apply compression through the through hole, dynamically changing the tightness of the electrode lock. This allows easy insertion when loose, then secure fixation when compressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force applied to the electrode lock is changed by moving the locking assembly. When the locking assembly is in the first position, no compression is applied allowing easy insertion. When moved to the second position, compression force is applied to secure the electrode. This parameter change enables both ease of operation and position stability at different stages.
3Ease of operation
If the clamping opening is made large for easy electrode passage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the clamping force decreases reducing fixation reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The size of the clamping opening is changed by applying compression force through the locking assembly. During insertion, the opening remains large for easy electrode passage. When the locking assembly is moved to compress the electrode lock, the opening contracts to increase clamping force on the electrode, ensuring reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping opening transitions from a large static opening during insertion to a dynamically contracting opening during fixation. This dynamic change allows the structure to adapt to different operational requirements - ease of insertion when large, reliable clamping when compressed.
Data Source
AI summary
A cranial ring is secured on a cranium. The cranial ring includes a ring portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is connected to the bottom end of the ring portion, and the cranial ring is provided with a through hole. At least part of the electrode lock is disposed in the through hole of the extension portion. The electrode lock is provided with a clamping opening. The locking assembly is disposed at the bottom end of the ring portion and sleeved on the outer side of the extension portion.