Insulating Spacer for Radiotherapy Positioning Stud

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning studs for radioactive therapy can cause skin scalding due to high temperatures generated by alternating currents induced by alternating magnetic fields during CT scans, posing a safety risk during precise radiation therapy.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electrically insulating spacer between the stud rod and stud tip, made of materials like PEEK, PPSU, or ceramic, to prevent electrical contact and heat transfer, ensuring the stud tip remains at a safe temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the positioning stud is made of conductive material for structural integrity, then the strength and positioning accuracy are improved, but the stud tip temperature increases due to alternating current heating, causing skin scalding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidskin scalding

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning stud is divided into two separate parts: a conductive stud rod that provides structural strength and positioning function, and an insulating stud tip that contacts the patient's skin. The insulating component is connected between the stud rod and stud tip, physically separating the conductive and insulating functions into distinct segments, thereby preventing heat transfer to the skin while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An insulating component (insulating sleeve or insulating cap) is introduced as an intermediary element between the conductive stud rod and the stud tip. This intermediary blocks the transmission of alternating current and heat from the stud rod to the stud tip, preventing skin scalding while allowing the conductive stud rod to maintain its structural function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an insulating component is added between the stud rod and stud tip to prevent heating, then skin safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin scalding preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation to block alternating current, acts as a thermal insulator to prevent heat transfer to the skin, and maintains the structural connection between the stud rod and stud tip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the stud rod and stud tip are made of the same conductive material, then manufacturing is simplified, but the stud tip generates excessive heat during alternating magnetic field exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial consistencyVSAvoidstud tip temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the positioning stud are made from materials with different properties: the stud rod is made of conductive material (such as metal) to provide structural strength and electrical conductivity, while the stud tip is made of insulating material to prevent heat generation and skin contact. This local differentiation of material properties allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, preventing excessive heat generation at the skin-contacting stud tip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning stud uses a composite structure combining conductive material for the stud rod and insulating material for the stud tip and insulating component. This composite material approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve structural integrity, electrical conductivity where needed, and thermal/electrical insulation where required, preventing excessive heat generation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Prevents skin scalding by blocking the transmission of heat and current to the stud tip, ensuring the safety and accuracy of the therapy process while maintaining the structural integrity required for precise positioning.

Implementation Method 1

the insulating component is connected between the stud rod and the stud tip, and is configured to block contact between the stud rod and the stud tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

Prevents skin scalding by blocking the transmission of heat and current to the stud tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10881879B2Positioning stud for radioactive therapy and stereotactic device

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 SHENZHEN OUR NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A positioning stud for radioactive therapy includes a stud rod, a stud tip, and an insulating component. The insulating component is connected between the stud rod and the stud tip, and is used to prevent contact between the stud rod and the stud tip.