Skull Clamp Pin Layout for Uniform Pressure and Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head stabilization devices often result in uneven pressure distribution and penetration of pins into the skull, compromising the rigidity and integrity of head stabilization, particularly when using different configurations of pins.
Innovation Solution
The device employs non-uniform pin configurations with varying angles and contact areas to achieve uniform pressure distribution, ensuring equal force application across the head, thereby preventing excessive penetration and enhancing stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If uniform pins are used in the grid interface, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the head stabilization device cannot conform to non-uniform contours of the head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the pin dimensions (length, width, thickness) at different locations within the grid interface to match the non-uniform contour of the head. Each pin is customized with specific dimensions based on its position, allowing the device to conform to irregular head shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall grid structure.
2Shape
If the grid interface is customized to match non-uniform head contours, then shape conformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid interface is segmented into multiple discrete pins arranged in a grid pattern. Each pin can be independently sized and shaped, allowing the complex non-uniform contour to be approximated through combinations of simple geometric elements. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by breaking down the customization requirement into manageable individual components.
3Measurement precision
If pins are made to fit non-uniform contours, then contact precision is improved, but the number of pins required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the parameters of the pins (length, width, thickness) systematically across the grid to achieve contact precision. By changing these parameters in a controlled manner rather than using completely unique pins for each position, the design achieves high precision while limiting the total number of distinct pin types required for manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A head stabilization device having the form of a skull clamp includes a first pin assembly and a second pin assembly. The pin assemblies are positioned opposite each other, and the first pin assembly has a first pin while the second pin assembly has a pair of pins. The pins used with the skull clamp are non-uniform. In this respect skull clamp can apply an equal force to a head of a patient from both sides. Additionally, the pressure at each pin location can be the same or substantially the same. This allows each of the pins to have the same or similar bone penetration when in use stabilizing the head of the patient.