Detachable Locator Device for Body Surface Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performing procedures on multiple body surface portions, such as hair transplantation, face challenges in maintaining precise alignment and consistent positioning of fiducial markers, leading to potential gaps or overlaps, which can result in under or over harvesting/implanting, and are labor-intensive and skill-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A locator device with detachable portions that delineate body surface segments, allowing one portion to be moved while the other remains stationary as a reference, facilitating precise alignment and inclusion of fiducial markers for image-guided systems to ensure accurate placement of procedures on adjacent or overlapping segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to move measuring devices and mark skin surfaces, then flexibility in performing procedures is maintained, but positioning precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fiducial markers as intermediary reference points attached to the skin surface. These fiducials serve as mediators between the automated system and the body surface, enabling precise positioning without manual measurement. The fiducial markers provide a stable reference frame that the automated system can track, eliminating the need for manual device movement while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning methods with an image-guided automated system. Instead of manually moving measuring devices and marking skin surfaces, the system uses imaging technology to track fiducial markers and automatically guide the procedure, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated image-based positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If fiducial markers are used to guide automated systems, then positioning consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into separate functional components: fiducial markers attached to the skin, imaging system for tracking, and automated control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the fiducials are simple reference points, the imaging system handles tracking, and the control system manages automation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning consistency.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple body surface portions are treated sequentially, then complete coverage is achieved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by attaching fiducial markers to the skin surface before the procedure begins. This pre-positioning of reference points allows the automated system to quickly calculate and execute positioning for multiple body surface portions without time-consuming manual measurements during the procedure, thereby reducing overall procedure time while maintaining complete coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are described for performing a procedure on multiple adjacent segments of a body surface. The methods generally involve positioning a locator device on a body surface to delineate a first body surface segment. A first portion of the locator device may be moved while leaving a second portion of the locator device in place as a reference. The second portion of the locator may then be moved to reform the locator device and delineate a second segment of the body surface. Locator devices comprising two detachable portions are also described.