Foldable Medical Simulation System With Removable Working Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical simulation systems for procedures like angioplasty are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and require complex maintenance due to their large size and multiple sensors, which can lose calibration, making realistic training challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable, foldable medical simulation system with removable working units and a foldable base that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, using identical components to track and apply force to various tools, and includes a controller for simulating realistic tactile feedback and fluoroscopic images, enabling 'plug and play' functionality and self-calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the simulation system includes multiple sensors to track different operational tools, then the simulation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single sensor type that can detect multiple operational tools (guidewires, catheters, sheaths) through different entry points, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors. This universal sensor design maintains simulation accuracy while significantly reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system is divided into modular components including a base unit with the sensor, removable tool chambers, and interchangeable tool sets. This segmentation allows the sensor system to be separated from the tools being tracked, enabling independent maintenance of the sensor while preserving the ability to simulate various procedures.
2Reliability
If the simulation system is made long to accommodate the full length of operational tools, then the simulation realism is improved, but the portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is divided into a base unit containing the sensor and control electronics, and separate removable tool chambers that can be detached and stored separately. This segmentation allows the base unit to remain compact and portable while the tool chambers provide the necessary length for realistic simulation when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool chambers are designed to attach to and nest within the base unit structure, allowing the full-length simulation apparatus to be compacted into a portable form factor when not in use. The nested design enables easy transport while maintaining the extended configuration during simulation procedures.
3Ease of repair
If the system components are made removable and modular for easier maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modular components (base unit, tool chambers, tool sets) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation enables simple maintenance where faulty components can be quickly swapped without affecting the rest of the system, reducing overall assembly complexity despite the increased number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized interfaces and universal mounting mechanisms are used across all modular components, allowing the same attachment and detachment procedures to be applied to different parts. This universality simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need to learn different assembly procedures for each component type.
4Ease of operation
If the sensor is integrated into the base unit rather than being separate, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor, control electronics, and base unit structure are merged into a single integrated base unit. This integration simplifies operation by eliminating the need to manage separate sensor components and their calibration, while the modular design keeps the integration complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for simulating an image-guided medical procedure on a computerized anatomy is provided. The system includes a foldable base having two portions connected by a hinged connector, each portion of the foldable base is provided with one or more docking stations. The system further includes two or more working units, each connectable to any one of the docking stations. Each working unit comprises a chamber capable of receiving an operation tool, a diameter sensor to detect diameter information related to the operational tool and a tracking unit configured to detect tracking information related to the operational tool.