Instrument Orientation via Dual Mask Elements and Adjusting Facility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for precisely orienting instruments relative to target objects in medical and industrial applications are costly and burdensome for patients, involving extensive preparation and high costs per application.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising inner and outer mask elements, with a base element for fixation, and an adjusting facility for precise orientation of the instrument relative to the target object, allowing for gentle and cost-effective positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a guide frame is mounted on the patient's skull with multiple screw fastenings and guide rails for fine adjustment, then the instrument can be precisely oriented relative to the target object, but the procedure becomes costly (up to USD 20,000) and burdensome for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the positioning system into separate functional components: a first mask element for patient fixation, a second mask element for instrument mounting, and an adjusting facility for orientation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask elements serve as intermediary components between the patient's skull and the instrument. These masks provide a simplified interface that transfers the positioning function without requiring direct screw fastenings into the skull or complex guide frame structures, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If a guide frame with multiple screw fastenings is used to fix the instrument, then the instrument orientation is precise, but the patient experiences significant burden and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mask elements are designed as simple, disposable components that can be easily applied and removed without causing harm to the patient. Unlike permanent screw fastenings, these masks provide sufficient positioning for the procedure and can be discarded afterward, eliminating the burden of long-term fixation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask elements function as flexible positioning interfaces that conform to the patient's anatomy while providing stable mounting points. This flexible approach distributes the fixation force more evenly and comfortably compared to rigid screw fastenings, reducing patient burden while maintaining positioning precision.
3Reliability
If traditional screw fastening methods are used to secure the guide frame, then the instrument can be firmly fixed, but the cost increases significantly to USD 20,000 per application
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates simplified copies or alternatives to the traditional expensive guide frame system. Instead of using complex metallic guide frames with precision-machined components, the mask elements provide a less expensive but functionally equivalent positioning system that achieves the necessary reliability for instrument fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential positioning function from the expensive guide frame system and separates it into independent, low-cost mask elements. By taking out the core function (positioning and fixation) and eliminating unnecessary components (complex guide rails, precision-machined frames), the system achieves the same reliability at significantly reduced cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus and to a method for fixing a target object in place and for orienting an instrument relative to the target object which has been fixed in place. The target object is here fixed in place by a first mask element. A second mask element is arranged on the outside thereof. By an adjusting facility, the second mask element may then be shifted relative to the first mask element, whereby the instrument retained by or passed through the second mask element is oriented.