Flexible Beam Trajectory Guide for Medical Instrument Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trajectory guides for medical instruments require a time-consuming and difficult adjustment procedure to precisely align the instrument's longitudinal axis with the planned trajectory, as they are rigidly connected to a support structure, limiting precision and efficiency in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable trajectory guide with flexible beam members and coupling members that allow for precise alignment of the instrument's longitudinal axis relative to a support structure, utilizing actuators to bend and move the guide portion, enabling precise matching of the instrument's axis to the planned trajectory without requiring extensive adjustment of the support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used to hold the trajectory guide, then the structural stability is improved, but the alignment precision and adjustment ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory guide is divided into multiple segments: a stable support structure portion and an adjustable guide portion connected by flexible beam members. This segmentation allows the rigid support to provide stability while the flexible segments enable precise alignment adjustments through actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexible beam members that can dynamically change their configuration from a straight state to a bent state through actuation. This dynamic flexibility allows the guide portion to be precisely positioned relative to the rigid support structure, resolving the contradiction between stability and alignment precision.
2Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the trajectory guide and support structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but the adjustment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible beam members provide a dynamic connection that maintains structural integrity when straight but allows rapid adjustment when actuated. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment of rigid connections while preserving structural strength during both adjusted and fixed states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of rigid connections with an automated actuation system that bends flexible beam members. This substitution dramatically reduces adjustment time and operational complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible connection design.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of the support structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated actuation system that controls the bending of flexible beam members. This substitution achieves high alignment precision through controlled actuation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through the elegant flexible connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system changes the physical state of the flexible beam members from straight to bent, altering their geometric parameters to achieve precise alignment. This parameter change approach enables accurate positioning without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If flexible beam members are introduced for adjustment, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory guide is segmented into rigid support portions and flexible beam portions, with actuators strategically placed at connection points. This segmentation allows precise alignment control through localized actuation of flexible segments without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible beam members provide a simple yet effective dynamic element that bends in response to actuation forces. This dynamic flexibility achieves high alignment precision without complex mechanisms, as the flexible beams naturally conform to the required positions through controlled deformation.
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 adjustable trajectory guide significantly reduces the time and effort needed for alignment, allowing for precise placement of medical instruments along predefined trajectories, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of medical procedures while maintaining a prominent and accessible position for the instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The guide portion is coupled to the first engagement interface and therefore also to the support structure via one or more flexible beam members which can be deflected so as to move the guide portion together with the instrument relative to the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adjustable trajectory guide having a guide portion adapted to hold or provide a guiding for a medical instrument along a defined trajectory, and at least one adjustment section comprising: at least one elongated flexible beam member connected at its first end to the guide portion, and having at its second end a first engagement interface adapted to provide a connection to a support structure holding the trajectory guide; at least one second engagement interface which is movable relative to the at least one beam member and which is adapted to provide a connection to an actuator, at least one coupling member coupling the first end of the beam member to the second engagement interface, wherein the coupling member is capable of transmitting force and/or torque from the second engagement interface to the first end of the beam member. The present Invention further relates to a trajectory guide adjustment system comprising such trajectory guide, and corresponding method for aligning an elongated medical instrument utilizing such trajectory guide adjustment system.