Tilt-Controlled Grid Mechanism for Transperineal Stepper
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transperineal stepper systems face challenges with limited movement of the grid plate due to the design and placement of driving screws and linear sliders, which results in difficulty in cleaning biological residue, potential jamming, slow movement, and complexity in independent X and Y movements, making precise needle placement cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a system with first and second levers, cams, and gears that translate rotational movement into both linear and rotational movement of the grid plate, allowing for vertical and rotational adjustments, thereby simplifying the movement and alignment of the needle guide, and includes a centralizer part to restrict horizontal movement, enhancing cleaning and operational ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If driving screws and linear sliders are placed below the grid plate to enable independent X and Y movement, then the grid plate can reach all possible intended locations, but the area becomes difficult to clean and prone to jamming from biological residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the driving screws and linear sliders from the area below the grid plate and relocates them to the periphery of the housing. This extraction eliminates the problem of biological residue accumulation in tight spaces while preserving the independent X and Y movement capability of the grid plate through the alternative cam mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If driving screws are used to move linear sliders for precise grid plate positioning, then accurate needle placement is achieved, but the movement is slow and requires many full screw rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-and-linear-slider mechanical system with a cam-based mechanism. The cam's rotational movement directly translates to linear movement of the grid plate, eliminating the need for multiple screw rotations and significantly speeding up positioning while maintaining precision through the cam's geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational movement of the cam as a new dimension of control. Instead of moving the grid plate solely through linear slider displacement along X and Y axes, the cam's rotation adds a rotational dimension that directly controls grid plate position, reducing the number of operational steps required.
3Measurement precision
If independent driving screws and linear sliders are used for X and Y direction movement, then the grid plate can be precisely controlled, but the design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two independent driving screws and linear sliders into a single cam mechanism. The cam simultaneously controls both X and Y direction movements of the grid plate through its geometric profile, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall system design while preserving precise positioning control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam serves multiple functions: it replaces both driving screws, controls both X and Y movements, and provides precise positioning control that previously required separate mechanisms. This multi-functional component reduces system complexity while maintaining the capability to reach all intended locations.
4Volume of moving object
If driving screws are located in the transperineal stepper for compact design, then space is saved, but there is not much room for fingers to manipulate the driving screws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the manipulation interface (cam) from the compact internal area below the grid plate and relocates it to the periphery of the housing. This allows operators to easily access and manipulate the cam with fingers while the actual positioning mechanism remains compact within the device structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise and efficient movement of the grid plate, reducing the risk of jamming, improving cleaning accessibility, and simplifying the manipulation of the system, allowing for accurate needle placement with reduced complexity and increased operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first cam is attached to and extends from the first lever to a housing under the needle guide. The second cam is attached to and extends from the second lever to the housing under the needle guide. At least one of the first cam and the second cam is configured to translate rotational movement from the first lever and the second lever to both linear and rotational movement of the needle guide via the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The housing includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is configured to translate rotational movement from the first cam to linear movement via the housing. The second gear is configured to translate rotational movement from the second cam to linear movement via the housing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a needle guide includes a first lever, a second lever, a first cam and a second cam. The first cam is attached to and extends from the first lever to a housing under the needle guide. The second cam is attached to and extends from the second lever to the housing under the needle guide. At least one of the first cam and the second cam is configured to translate rotational movement from the first lever and the second lever to both linear and rotational movement of the needle guide via the housing.