Medical Instrument Guide Ball for 3D Kinematic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical guiding systems often restrict geometric range of motion, making it difficult to achieve and maintain precise positioning of medical instruments, particularly needles, which increases procedure complexity and duration, potentially impacting patient health.
Innovation Solution
A ball-type, swiveling joint apparatus with an integrated device clamp or retaining port allows for axial advancement and stereotactic manipulation of medical instruments, providing full 3D kinematic adjustment and secure retention through friction fit, eliminating the need for multiple fixtures and devices with limited ranges of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed needle guide is used, then the device structure is simple, but the geometric range of motion is restricted and multiple guides are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guide incorporates a ball joint mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the needle orientation in multiple planes. The ball joint enables the needle to pivot and rotate, transforming a static fixed-angle guide into a dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom positioning system, thereby achieving full geometric range of motion without requiring multiple separate guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guide is designed to perform multiple functions: it can guide needles at various angles, accommodate different needle lengths, and provide positioning in multiple anatomical planes. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized guides, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple guide geometries are used, then the desired needle position can be achieved, but the procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into independent rotational degrees of freedom within the ball joint mechanism. Each degree of freedom can be adjusted independently to achieve precise needle positioning, allowing complex spatial orientations to be achieved through simple sequential adjustments rather than complex multi-component systems.
3Measurement precision
If extra setup steps are added, then precise needle positioning is achieved, but the procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint mechanism is pre-configured with bearing surfaces and friction characteristics that provide natural positioning stability. The design incorporates preliminary alignment features that guide the needle into the correct position during insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-insertion adjustments or multiple setup steps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint mechanism is used, then full 3D kinematic adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint utilizes spherical geometry with curved bearing surfaces that naturally accommodate rotation in multiple directions. The spherical shape inherently provides omnidirectional movement capability, achieving full 3D kinematic adjustment through a single compact mechanism rather than multiple linear actuators or complex linkage systems.
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 solution simplifies the positioning process by providing tactile feedback and ensuring secure retention of medical instruments, allowing for precise placement without the need for multiple fixtures or devices with restricted motion, thereby reducing procedure duration and improving patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
The friction between the device and the clamp or port is sufficient for the retention of the tool in the housing in the absence of an external force.
Implementation Method 2
The fit characteristics provide tactile feedback to the user, which when coupled with the device retention, simplify the overall positioning process
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument guiding device includes a body base component, and a guide body upper component assembled to the body base component. The guide body upper component has a substantially semi-spherical shape to house a medical instrument guide ball resting on a friction surface located within the body base component. The surface of the guide body upper component includes a cut out working area, and a surface of the medical instrument guide ball is exposed by the cut out working area. A medical instrument port is arranged on a truncated surface of the medical instrument guide ball, and a medical instrument may be passed through the medical instrument port. The medical instrument guide ball permits the medical instrument to be moved in three dimensions. The medical instrument port permits the medical instrument to be advanced into a patient.