Medical Device Stabilizer Segmentation for Precision Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device stabilizers require the entire system to be repositioned for adjustments, potentially causing unintended movement and reducing stability, especially when manipulating one portion of the device relative to another, which can be dangerous during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer system with a platform and stabilizer body that allows for adjustment and repositioning of medical devices without moving the entire stabilizer, using translation and straddle actuators, and a support block for secure positioning, enabling manipulation of device portions without decoupling from the stabilizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire stabilizer is picked up and repositioned for adjustment, then the medical device can be repositioned, but stability is reduced and unintended movement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is divided into a base portion and a support portion that can move relative to each other. The support portion can be adjusted independently along the longitudinal axis while the base remains stationary, allowing device repositioning without moving the entire stabilizer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion is made dynamically adjustable relative to the base through a locking mechanism. It can be locked in fixed positions for stability or unlocked for adjustment, enabling transition between stable and adjustable states without moving the entire stabilizer.
2Ease of operation
If the medical device is de-coupled from the stabilizer for adjustment, then repositioning is possible, but stability and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer system separates the adjustment function (support portion) from the anchoring function (base), allowing the medical device to remain coupled to the stabilizer while the support portion moves to achieve repositioning, maintaining both security and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion acts as an intermediary between the base and the medical device, absorbing the adjustment movements while keeping the device securely coupled to the stabilizer system through the support portion's controlled motion.
3Ease of operation
If one portion of the medical device is moved relative to another, then manipulation is enabled, but the stabilizer constrains this movement requiring de-coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer's support portion can be adjusted independently along the longitudinal axis, providing controlled movement in one dimension while maintaining constraints in other dimensions, enabling device manipulation without full de-coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer provides selective constraint - the support portion allows longitudinal adjustment while maintaining lateral stability, enabling localized manipulation where needed while preserving overall device stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A stabilizer system for supporting a medical device includes a platform and a stabilizer body positioned on the platform and being slidably translatable about the platform. The platform includes a translation actuator configured to engage with a receiving member of the stabilizer body. Actuation of the translation actuator passes a force to the receiving member of the stabilizer body and causes the stabilizer body to translate relative to the platform. The stabilizer body includes a base and one or more support wings extending from the base to support a medical device. A straddle actuator is coupled to a support wing and is configured to engage with the medical device. Actuation of the straddle actuator passes a force to the medical device and causes at least a portion of the medical device to translate relative to the stabilizer body.