Reusable Carrier System with Custom Template for Surgical Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning aids for surgical procedures on the cranium are time-consuming, tool-intensive, and lack mechanical strength, with compromised precision and sterility due to the design of bone-anchored ball markers and the need for individual post-machining.
Innovation Solution
A positioning aid comprising a reusable carrier system with a recessed carrier plate and a template plate, where the template is custom-made with individually oriented guiding apertures based on predetermined coordinates, allowing for precise and quick installation and removal, and providing enhanced mechanical stability and sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual post-machining of blanks is performed to create positioning aids, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but time expenditure and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning aid is pre-assembled in a sterile state before the surgical procedure. The template plate is pre-attached to the carrier plate with all necessary components (pins, recesses, guiding aperture) already in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-machining and assembly during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning aid is divided into two functional parts: a reusable carrier system (carrier plate with supports) and a disposable template plate. This segmentation allows the complex precision components to be pre-manufactured separately and assembled beforehand, reducing installation time while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If bone-anchored ball markers are used for anchoring, then registration function is achieved, but mechanical strength and precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ball markers are extracted from the anchoring function and replaced with dedicated support elements (feet with mandrel-like pins) that provide both anchoring and mechanical strength. The ball markers are only used for their registration function, separating the two functions into different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The supports serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical anchoring to the cranium bone, support the carrier plate, and enable precise positioning. This multi-functionality replaces the single-function ball markers for anchoring, providing both strength and registration capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the positioning aid is designed to be sterile, then sterility is ensured, but additional sterilization steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The template plate is designed as a disposable component that can be pre-packaged in sterile condition. After a single use, it is discarded, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes and ensuring sterility without reusing the component.
4Measurement precision
If the guiding aperture is arranged eccentrically with incline, then precise trajectory alignment is achieved, but template plate design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template plate has a specific local feature (guiding aperture) with precise eccentric positioning and inclination angles tailored to the surgical trajectory requirements. This localized precision design allows complex trajectory alignment without making the entire device overly complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning aid for surgical procedures has a carrier system and a template. The carrier system consists of a carrier plate, which is provided with a recess, and supports. The carrier plate can be secured to a cranial bone via the supports over an operating field for the surgical procedure. The template has a template plate which can be connected to the carrier plate in a play-free manner and which comprises a guiding aperture. The guiding aperture is arranged and oriented in the template plate, which consists of a blank, in an individualized manner according to coordinates ascertained in advance. The central longitudinal axis of the guiding aperture matches a trajectory for accessing the operating field for the surgical procedure when the carrier system and the template are assembled and the carrier system is secured to the cranial bone.