Surgical Positioning System with Arc Rail and Locking Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for surgical instruments, particularly in arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint, face challenges in accurately and reliably positioning imaging systems and surgical instruments in hard-to-reach areas, relying heavily on user expertise and lacking precise navigation tools.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system comprising a first working element with a tubular shaft for imaging, a second working element for surgical instruments, an arc element with a curved rail, and a guiding element that allows secure and flexible positioning of the second element perpendicular to the arc direction, enabling precise placement and visualization of the working area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods relying on user expertise are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but positioning precision and reliability deteriorate in hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
A guiding element with a holding section and guiding section is introduced as an intermediary component. The holding section is guided on the rail of the arc element, and the guiding section receives and guides the second working element in the center direction. This intermediary structure enables precise positioning without requiring complex external positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying solely on operator skill (one dimension of control) to a multi-dimensional positioning system. The arc element provides angular positioning, the rail provides linear positioning, and the guiding element provides perpendicular center direction guidance, creating a multi-dimensional positioning framework that improves precision while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid positioning structure is used, then positioning stability is improved, but adaptability to different working positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning capabilities where the holding section can move along the curved rail of the arc element while maintaining stable guidance. The locking element can be positioned at different locations on the rail, allowing the system to adapt to various working positions while maintaining stability at each positioned location. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into independent functional components: the arc element for angular positioning, the rail for linear positioning, and the guiding element for perpendicular guidance. Each segment can be independently adjusted and locked, providing both stability when locked and adaptability when repositioned. The modular nature allows the system to maintain stability during operation while being adaptable for different surgical configurations.
3Reliability
If the guiding element is securely locked to the rail, then positioning reliability is improved, but ease of adjustment and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element provides a dynamic locking mechanism that can easily transition between locked and unlocked states. When locked, it provides reliable positioning by preventing displacement in the transverse direction. When unlocked, it allows easy adjustment and removal of the guiding element from the rail. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction between reliability during operation and ease of adjustment during setup or reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system comprising a first working element having a first tubular shaft, a second working element having a second tubular shaft, an arcuate element having a holding element and an arcuate rail, wherein the arcuate rail is disposed on the holding element and the holding element is adapted to be fixed on the receiving section by means of a fastening element, and a guiding element having a holding section and a guiding section, wherein the holding section is guided on the rail and the guiding section receives the second shaft, the holding section having a locking element securing the guiding element to the rail, wherein the locking element in a locking position blocks displacement of the holding section in a transverse direction and in a release position allows displacement of the holding section in the transverse direction.