Friction-Jamming Medical Appliance Positioning for MRI-Guided Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical appliance positioning systems are cumbersome, expensive, and limited to specific applications, lacking the ability to freely position transducers or other devices directly on the treatment area, and are not compatible with MRI environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with compressible chambers filled with frictional jamming material that allows for six degrees of freedom in a non-actuated state and rigid fixation in an actuated state, using a vacuum to lock the medical appliance in place, made of MRI-compatible materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing positioning systems with scanner tables and water bladders are used, then the medical appliance can be positioned, but the system becomes cumbersome, complex, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent compressible chambers that can be individually actuated. Each chamber contains frictional jamming material and can be controlled separately, allowing the medical appliance to be positioned and secured in different spatial locations and orientations without requiring a complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning mechanisms (scanner tables, water bladders, rigid supports) with a pneumatic system using compressible chambers and frictional jamming material. Air pressure control substitutes for mechanical adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining positioning reliability
2Reliability
If existing positioning systems are used, then the medical appliance can be held in place, but the system is limited to specific applications or areas of the body
Solution Approach 1:
The device with multiple compressible chambers can adapt to various medical appliances (ultrasound transducers, MRI coils, needle holders, biopsy grids) and different body areas by selectively actuating specific chambers. The same device structure serves multiple functions and applications, eliminating the need for application-specific positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The chambers transition between compressed and decompressed states dynamically, allowing the device to adapt its shape and support characteristics to match different medical appliances and treatment requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables universal application across different medical procedures and body regions
3Measurement precision
If existing positioning systems are used, then the transducer can be positioned, but the system is very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses inexpensive compressible chambers with frictional jamming material that can be replaced if needed, rather than expensive reusable mechanical positioning systems. The simple construction with basic pneumatic components significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic actuation of compressible chambers instead of expensive mechanical drives, motors, or complex actuation systems. This pneumatic approach achieves precise positioning at lower cost through simple air pressure control of the chambers containing frictional jamming material
4Ease of operation
If the bearing element is freely movable, then the medical appliance can be positioned freely, but the device lacks stability in the operational position
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically transitions between a compliant state (chambers decompressed, bearing element freely movable for positioning) and a rigid state (chambers compressed, bearing element fixed for stability). This dynamic state change allows the same structure to provide both positioning freedom and operational stability without requiring separate mechanisms
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 precise, low-cost, and adaptable positioning of medical appliances directly on the treatment area, compatible with MRI environments, offering self-support and ease of use, with real-time monitoring and control options.
Implementation Method 1
the chambers being configured to move the bearing element according to six degrees of freedom, and in an actuated configuration, the frictional jamming material is subjected to frictional jamming, thereby allowing for the chambers to become rigid and the bearing element to be fixedly positioned
Implementation Method 2
the chambers are configured to move the bearing element according to six degrees of freedom... The medical appliance, such as a transducer, may be rapidly and easily placed as desired and then locked in place by removing air from the chambers in a single operation. Indeed, thanks to the frictional jamming material comprised by the chambers, these are deformable in a non-actuated configuration, when air is present in the chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A device for positioning a medical appliance in an operational position with respect to a patient, includesa bearing element configured to receive the medical appliance;at least two compressible chambers containing a frictional jamming material capable of exhibiting frictional jamming when air is removed from the chambers, the chambers being coupled to the bearing element; wherein:in a non-actuated configuration, the bearing element is adapted to be positioned in the operational position, and the chambers are configured to move the bearing element according to six degrees of freedom, andin an actuated configuration, the frictional jamming material is subjected to frictional jamming, thereby allowing for the chambers to become rigid and the bearing element to be fixedly positioned, wherein the device is configured to be self-supporting in the actuated configuration. The disclosure also relates to a system and a method for positioning a medical appliance.