Isocenter Marker Device With Spring-Actuated Needle And Ink Well
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marking isocenters on patients' bodies for radiation therapy are not adequately improved, leading to inefficiencies in alignment and tattooing processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an isocenter marker device with a body, biasing member, plunger, releasable lock, and lock actuator, which includes alignment indicia, a handle, ink well support, and a needle actuator that moves between retracted and marking positions, allowing precise tattooing without interfering with laser illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional tattooing device is used, then the marking process is simple, but the alignment precision and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a base for stability, a plunger assembly for needle control, an ink well for pigment storage, and a handle for manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision and managing complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If the needle is always extended for tattooing, then the marking speed is fast, but the needle may accidentally contact the patient's skin before intended
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between retracted and extended states. The plunger assembly with spring mechanism allows the needle to be quickly extended when needed for tattooing while remaining retracted during positioning and alignment, eliminating accidental contact while maintaining marking speed when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle and ink source are integrated permanently, then the device structure is simple, but the needles cannot be easily replaced for different treatment needs
Solution Approach 1:
The ink well and needle assembly are designed as separable components that can be independently replaced. The plunger assembly can be removed and reattached to different ink wells, and needles can be replaced within the plunger assembly. This modular segmentation enables versatile needle and ink selection while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through standardized interfaces.
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
The device enables precise and efficient marking of isocenters on patients' bodies, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing the need for repeated procedures by allowing easy replacement of needles and ink sources, thus improving the overall marking process.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member biases the needle mount from the retracted position toward the marking position
Implementation Method 2
The lasers project beams onto the patient, indicating the three points of the coordinates
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for marking a treatment isocenter on a patient's body. One embodiment includes a base including alignment indicia, a marker disposed over the base and positioned relative to the indicia for marking the isocenter on the patient's body and an actuator for actuating the marker and causing a mark indicating the isocenter to be made on the patient's body. The actuator can include a button and a spring coupled to the marker. Compressing the actuator causes the marker to travel through an ink well prior to piercing the patient's skin.