Skull Clamp Rail Accessory Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical fixtures lack the ability to securely and selectively attach additional accessories or fixtures during procedures, limiting convenience and flexibility in surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A skull clamp system with extendable arms and rail attachments that allow for adjustable and secure mounting of accessories using jaw pairs and screw assemblies, enabling easy attachment and adjustment of various surgical tools and instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical accessories are mounted directly to the immobilization fixture, then convenience and accessibility are improved, but the fixture structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a base component that attaches to the fixture, and accessory components that attach to the base. This segmentation allows the fixture itself to remain simple while accessibility is improved through the added modular attachment layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system provides universal mounting capability for multiple different accessory types through standardized interfaces. The base component with rail and jaw mechanism can accommodate various surgical accessories, making the system multi-functional without requiring complex custom mounting for each accessory type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are selectively attachable and adjustable, then versatility is improved, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates movable jaws that can open and close to grip the rail, and a screw assembly that provides adjustable positioning along the rail. This dynamic design enables selective attachment and adjustment of accessories at different positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail serves as an intermediary element between the base component and the accessory. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment process, allowing accessories to be selectively mounted and adjusted without requiring complex direct integration with the fixture.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members feature curved gripping surfaces that conform to the rail geometry, providing secure engagement through geometric interlocking. This curved design enhances attachment reliability by distributing contact forces and preventing slippage while maintaining a simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw assembly provides self-adjusting capability where tightening the screw automatically increases the gripping force of the jaws on the rail, creating a self-reinforcing secure attachment. This self-service mechanism enhances reliability without requiring additional complex locking or actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical fixture includes a skull clamp having a pair of arms. Each of the arms includes a rail having a generally âTâ-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross section. An accessory attachment assembly comprises a gripping portion having a pair of jaws that are operable to selectively grip a rail. The accessory attachment assembly also includes a body portion having a feature for receiving surgical accessories. Surgical accessories may be rotated relative to the accessory attachment assembly along a first plane, and may further be secured to the accessory attachment assembly. The body portion may be rotated relative to gripping portion along a second plane. A mechanism is operable to simultaneously effect gripping with the jaws while preventing rotation of the body portion relative to the gripping portion. The mechanism is also operable to simultaneously release gripping of the jaws while permitting rotation of the body portion relative to the gripping portion.