Primate Stereotactic Device Using Laser Reference Point Simulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereotactic devices for primate brains cannot accurately determine the brain coordinate reference point without expensive equipment like MRI scanners, making precise targeting procedures impossible due to the internal location of the ear bar zero point, which cannot be visually recognized.
Innovation Solution
A stereotactic device with a reference point simulator and ear bar adaptor that allows for the indication of the brain coordinate reference point using a laser line beam, enabling initial setting of a zero point corresponding to the brain coordinate, and a carrier body for holding various brain surgery devices, allowing for accurate targeting without expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical stereotactic device for primate brains is used, then the head of the primate can be fixed, but the brain coordinate reference point (EBZ point) cannot be determined because it is located in an inner area that cannot be visually recognized
Solution Approach 1:
A reference point simulator is introduced as an intermediary tool that projects a visual indicator (laser line or light point) to mark the EBZ point location. This simulator acts as a mediator between the internal reference point and the external visual field, allowing operators to see and accurately locate the otherwise invisible reference point without requiring expensive MRI equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive medical imaging equipment (MRI scanner) with a simpler optical system consisting of a laser projector or light source. This substitution achieves the same functional goal of locating the reference point using affordable optical components rather than complex medical imaging machinery.
2Measurement precision
If expensive equipment like MRI scanner is used to determine brain coordinates, then accurate targeting procedure can be conducted, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components such as laser projectors, light sources, and optical indicators instead of expensive, complex MRI scanners. These simpler devices achieve the necessary measurement precision for brain coordinate determination without the high cost and complexity of medical imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical and computational system of MRI scanning is replaced with a simple optical projection system. The laser or light source directly projects visual markers onto or near the reference point, eliminating the need for complex image acquisition, processing, and coordinate calculation systems.
3Reliability
If ear bars are directly inserted into ears of primate, then head fixing can be achieved, but the insertion process is difficult and verification of accurate insertion is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
An ear bar adaptor is introduced as an intermediary component that facilitates the insertion of ear bars into the primate's ears. The adaptor serves as a mediator that makes the insertion process easier and provides a means to verify accurate placement, reducing the difficulty and uncertainty associated with direct ear bar insertion.
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
Enables convenient and accurate indication of the brain coordinate reference point, facilitating targeting procedures on primate brains without the need for MRI scanners, and allows for easy insertion and verification of ear bars, as well as the use of various brain surgery devices with a simple configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a laser projector projecting a laser line beam, in a shape of a straight line, along a Y axis extending perpendicular to an X axis
Data Source
AI summary
A stereotactic device for primate brains indicates a brain coordinate reference point of a primate using a simulator for indicating a brain coordinate reference point, thereby providing an initial setting to a zero point corresponding to the brain coordinate reference point. The brain coordinate reference point is conveniently and accurately indicated without relatively expensive equipment, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, to determine brain coordinates of the primate, so that a targeting procedure can be conducted on the brain.