Cranium Bracing Adapter for Rigid Yet Releasable Head Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-holding systems for surgical procedures, such as those used in deep brain stimulation, are cumbersome and difficult to handle, and there is a need for an easy-to-use, inexpensive system that rigidly connects a patient's cranium to medical appliances for precise spatial positioning.
Innovation Solution
A cranium bracing system comprising a strut mount adapter and a bracing strut, which includes engaging members for secure connection to the cranium and medical appliances, allowing for a rigid and adjustable interconnection while accommodating instruments and implants, with features like snap-fit and ball-joint connections for flexibility and overload protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If U-shaped head-clamps with pins and heavy mobile trolleys are used to hold the patient's head in a fixed spatial position, then the spatial position stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky and cumbersome structure
Solution Approach 1:
The head-clamp assembly is divided into separate components: a head-clamp portion with pins that engage the skull, and a mounting portion that attaches to the articulated support arm. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining spatial position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting portion is designed with universal engagement features that can connect to various medical appliances, particularly articulated support arms. The engaging members can releasably engage with different types of connecting sections, making the system versatile and adaptable to different surgical configurations without requiring complex specialized components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If U-shaped head-clamps with heavy mobile trolleys are used to hold the patient's head, then the spatial position stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome handling
Solution Approach 1:
The head-clamp assembly is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the articulated support arm through releasable engagement of engaging members with connecting sections. This dynamic connection allows for easy setup and adjustment during surgical procedures while maintaining stable positioning when engaged, eliminating the need for heavy fixed trolleys.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid connection system is used to connect the cranium to medical appliances for precise spatial positioning, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging members and connecting sections are designed with features that allow for controlled engagement and disengagement, providing a mechanism to release forces before they can cause structural damage. The releasable connection acts as a protective feature that prevents catastrophic failure while maintaining precise positioning during normal operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simplified and inexpensive bracing system is used to connect the cranium to medical appliances, then the ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but the strength deteriorates due to potential connection instability
Solution Approach 1:
The head-clamp assembly integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the pins for skull engagement, the mounting portion for appliance connection, and the overall bracing configuration work together as a coordinated system. This merging of functions allows for simplified manufacturing compared to assembling multiple separate components, while the integrated design ensures proper alignment and connection strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cranium bracing system comprising a strut mount adapter (1) and a bracing strut (2), wherein the strut mount adapter (1) is adapted to connect the bracing strut (2) to a cranium hole base member (13) which is rigidly connected to a patient's cranium (14). The strut mount adapter (1) includes a first connecting section with one or more engaging members configured to engage with the correspondingly formed cranium hole base member (13) to fixedly connect the strut mount adapter (1) to the cranium hole base member (13). The strut mount adapter (1) further includes a second connecting section (5) configured to engage with a correspondingly formed connecting section (6) of the bracing strut (2) to connect the strut mount adapter (1) to the bracing strut (2), and a passage (7) extending through the strut mount adapter (1) and having a first passage opening at the first connecting section and an opposed second passage opening.