Skull Clamp Joint Assembly for Precise Table-to-Imaging Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for stabilizing patients during head and neck procedures lack flexibility and adjustability, particularly when transitioning between surgical and imaging environments, due to space constraints and the need for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transport table with a table adapter and joint assembly that allows for adjustable positioning of a skull clamp, enabling the patient to be stabilized and moved between operating and imaging rooms while maintaining consistent alignment, utilizing a joint assembly with actuators and a starburst interface for height and angle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed skull clamp system is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surgical and imaging environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The skull clamp system is divided into separate modular components including a base unit, intermediate section, and distal section with the skull clamp. This segmentation allows each module to be independently adjusted and configured for different surgical and imaging environments, improving adaptability without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability through telescoping sections with actuators that allow real-time modification of the skull clamp's position, height, and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various environmental requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Measurement precision
If space constraints are considered, then the device size is reduced, but the positioning precision and adjustability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The skull clamp employs nested telescoping sections where the distal section can be extended or retracted within the intermediate section. This nesting arrangement allows the device to maintain a compact volume when not in use while providing extended positioning ranges and precise adjustment capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-dimensional adjustment mechanisms including vertical telescoping motion, horizontal rotation, and angular articulation. These dimensional changes allow the skull clamp to achieve precise positioning in three-dimensional space while maintaining a compact footprint, effectively resolving the conflict between device volume and positioning precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the skull clamp is made highly adjustable, then the versatility increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit and intermediate sections are designed with universal interfaces and standardized actuation mechanisms that serve multiple functions. The same telescoping and rotation mechanisms provide both height adjustment and positional reconfiguration, reducing the need for separate complex mechanisms for each adjustment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into integrated mechanisms. For example, the actuator system simultaneously controls telescoping motion and rotational positioning, and the joint assemblies provide both angular adjustment and positional locking. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A table adapter and joint assembly are configured for use with a table during a medical procedure, e.g. a medical imaging procedure or combined imaging and surgical procedure. The table adapter is connectable, directly or indirectly, to a portion of the table. The joint assembly connects with the table adapter about a shaft such that the joint assembly is rotatably adjustable. A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp is attachable to the joint assembly. The joint assembly generally has a parallelogram shape that has four joints for adjustment where these four joints can be selectively locked or unlocked relative to each other using a single actuator.