Cranial Plug With Lucent Disk for Multimodal Wave Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurosurgical procedures face challenges in safely and effectively accessing the brain for imaging and treatment through the skull using light, sound, and radio waves.
Innovation Solution
A cranial plug housing with a lucent disk that allows for the passage of light, sound, and radio waves, featuring materials like polymethyl methacrylate and porous polyethylene, and includes alignment features and tracking devices for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cranial plug is used to access neuroanatomy through the skull, then transcranial access for imaging and treatment is enabled, but the skull material may block light, sound, and radio waves
Solution Approach 1:
The cranial plug is segmented into multiple material zones: an outer housing made of radiolucent material and an inner window made of optically transparent material. This segmentation allows different portions of the plug to serve different functions - the housing provides structural support and radio wave transmission, while the window enables optical transmission without blocking light
Solution Approach 2:
The cranial plug uses composite construction combining radiolucent materials (for radio wave and sound transmission) with optically transparent materials (for light transmission). This composite approach allows the single device to transmit multiple types of waves simultaneously without blocking, resolving the contradiction between providing transcranial access and preventing wave blocking
2Ease of operation
If a lucent window is added to the cranial plug for wave transmission, then light and sound passage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lucent window is merged with the cranial plug housing as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The window is formed as part of the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall device complexity while still providing improved wave transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The cranial plug housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables radio wave transmission through its radiolucent material, and allows light transmission through the integrated lucent window. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive wave transmission capabilities
3Measurement precision
If alignment features are added to the cranial plug for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features utilize visual contrast through color or transparency differences - the lucent window creates natural visual contrast against the housing material, and alignment markings are incorporated that are visible during positioning. This visual-based alignment system improves positioning accuracy without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms or additional manufacturing steps
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
Enables safe and effective transcranial access for imaging and treatment by optimizing wave transmission and ensuring precise alignment with neuroanatomy, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the window is optically transparent
Implementation Method 2
the window is sonolucent
Implementation Method 3
the window is radiolucent
Data Source
AI summary
A cranial plug includes a cranial plug housing having a window recess with an access hole. A window is shaped and dimensioned for positioning with the window recess of the cranial plug housing.