Skull Clamp Integrated Rail Starburst Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head fixation devices lack a comprehensive and secure method to attach various components, such as navigation adapters and clamps, which limits their functionality and stability during diagnostics and surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a head fixation device with integrated rails and starburst interfaces that allow for secure attachment of accessories like clamps and navigation adapters, providing multiple points of fixation and adjustable positioning to ensure stability and compatibility with different components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional head fixation devices are used without integrated attachment interfaces, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to securely attach various components like navigation adapters and clamps is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The head fixation device incorporates universal attachment interfaces (starburst interfaces and rails) that can accommodate multiple types of components including navigation adapters, clamps, and other surgical instruments. This multi-functional design allows a single fixation device to serve various surgical needs without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby improving versatility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: the head fixation device itself, the rails that attach to it, and the various accessories (navigation adapters, clamps) that attach to the rails. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables flexible configuration based on surgical requirements, improving adaptability without unnecessarily complicating the overall system.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple attachment interfaces are integrated into the head fixation device, then component compatibility and positioning precision improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rails are pre-attached to the head fixation device arms during manufacturing, with attachment interfaces (starburst interfaces) already configured and positioned. This preliminary action ensures precise alignment and positioning capability is built into the device structure beforehand, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during surgery while maintaining high positioning precision for attached components.
3Reliability
If secure attachment methods are implemented, then component stability during procedures improves, but the ease of attaching and detaching components may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates dynamic elements including threaded fasteners that can be easily engaged and disengaged, and spring-loaded or cam-actuated locking mechanisms that provide secure attachment with minimal effort. The starburst interface design allows for quick attachment by simply inserting the component and rotating a fastener a limited number of times, providing both security and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an integrated rail for attaching accessories thereto. One or more clamps are configured to engage with the integrated rail. Additional accessories can be attached to the one or more clamps, which also include a starburst interface and an integrated rail. The clamps use a linear translating closure mechanism to engage the clamps to the integrated rail of the skull clamp. In some versions, the head fixation device is configured with a navigation adapter that attaches to an upper portion of the skull clamp.