Head Fixation Locking Mechanism for Secure Rotational Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head fixation devices lack a secure and adjustable mechanism to connect stabilizing fixtures, such as skull pins or gel pads, with the device's arms, which compromises the stability and adjustability of the fixation.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus comprising a dual pin fixture, center insert, arch member, connector, disc, and bolt, which allows for secure and adjustable connection of stabilizing fixtures to the skull clamp arm, enabling rotational adjustment and locking of the arch member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing head fixation devices use simple connection mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and security of the connection between stabilizing fixtures and device arms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking apparatus enables dynamic adjustment of the arch member position along the device arm through rotational movement of the disc, allowing the connection to transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability provides both ease of adjustment and secure locking when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The locking apparatus employs a nested structure where the disc rotates within the connector, and the arch member is received within the disc assembly. The center insert is positioned within the arch member, creating a compact nested arrangement that achieves complex functionality without proportionally increasing external dimensions
2Device complexity
If existing head fixation devices lack adjustable connection mechanisms, then the device structure is simplified, but the adjustability and positioning precision of stabilizing fixtures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The disc rotation mechanism allows the arch member to be dynamically repositioned to different angles and locations along the device arm, providing continuous adjustability rather than fixed positioning. This enables adaptation to various surgical requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: the connector attached to the device arm, the rotatable disc for positioning, and the arch member holding the stabilizing fixtures. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component while maintaining structural integrity
3Ease of operation
If existing head fixation devices use non-secure connection mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security and stability of the fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking apparatus features self-locking capability where rotation of the disc automatically engages the arch member in a secured position through the interacting toothed surfaces of the connector and disc. The mechanism self-regulates to prevent over-tightening while ensuring secure engagement without requiring additional locking steps
Solution Approach 2:
The disc acts as an intermediary element between the connector and the arch member, mediating the connection and providing controlled engagement. This intermediary mechanism ensures secure connection while maintaining ease of operation through rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
A locking apparatus for use with a head fixation device allows for a stabilizing fixture, such as a rocker arm having a pair of skull pins, to be selectively secured so that the stabilizing fixture can be adjustably rotated to a desired position. In some version the locking apparatus includes a connector that is retained within an opening in a portion of the head fixation device. The connector can translate within the opening and is restricted from rotation. The translating of the connector permits the connector to engage an arch member that retains the stabilizing fixture. The engagement of the connector and arch member is accomplished, in some versions, by way of matching axial oriented toothed portions or starburst features. In some versions the teeth on the starburst features include a chamfer surface.