Spine Simulation Device with Modular Adjusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective simulation device for training purposes to visualize and manipulate the human spine, particularly for simulating different pathologies and surgical positions, which is crucial for developing new spinal surgical procedures and training surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A simulation device that manipulates a replica human spine in three dimensions, allowing for adjustment and repositioning to simulate various surgical positions, including prone, supine, lateral, anterolateral, and posterolateral, using a combination of rotatable carriers, gear mechanisms, and adjustable components to mimic the human spine's anatomy and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simulation device for manipulating a replica human spine is created, then training effectiveness and visualization capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device is divided into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, each controlling specific degrees of freedom of the replica spine. This segmentation allows complex three-dimensional positioning to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustment mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the operator and the replica spine, translating simple rotational or linear movements into complex three-dimensional positioning. These mechanisms mediate the interaction, making the system easier to control while achieving sophisticated positioning capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the simulation device allows manipulation in three dimensions, then adaptability for different surgical positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device incorporates multiple adjustable mechanisms that enable dynamic repositioning of the replica spine in three dimensions. Each adjustment mechanism provides independent control over specific spatial dimensions, allowing the system to adapt to various surgical positions (prone, supine, lateral, anterolateral, posterolateral) through coordinated adjustments rather than requiring a completely reconfigurable system.
3Reliability
If adjustment mechanisms are added to simulate different pathologies and positions, then training realism is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Complex three-dimensional positioning is broken down into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, each controlling a specific degree of freedom. This segmentation allows operators to adjust one parameter at a time rather than managing all parameters simultaneously, reducing cognitive load and improving ease of operation while maintaining training realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms are designed to enable sequential positioning, where coarse adjustments are made first followed by fine-tuning. This preliminary action approach allows operators to quickly establish approximate positions and then refine them, making the overall operation more efficient and easier to learn.
Data Source
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AI summary
A simulation device and method for using same are provided for simulating a position of a replica human spine due to different pathologies and different surgical positions. The simulation device includes a carrier portion rotatably attached to a base portion. The carrier portion supports a first adjuster, a second adjuster, and a third adjuster for supporting various portions of the replica human spine. The carrier portion and the first, second, third supports affording adjustment of the position of the replica human spine.