TMS Coil Positioning Aid with Dynamic Head Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning a magnetic coil during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) often cause discomfort to patients due to the need for rigid head fixation, which can lead to tension and headaches, especially during prolonged sessions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a head unit and holding arm that allows for adjustable and fixed positioning, featuring a movable connection between the head unit and the holding arm, enabling the coil to remain stationary relative to the head while allowing the patient to move comfortably, using translational and rotary couplings to maintain coil alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid head fixation is used to maintain coil positioning, then coil position stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to tension and headaches
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the support structure to adapt to patient head movements. The device transitions from a static rigid fixation system to a dynamic system that can move with the patient's head, maintaining coil positioning while accommodating natural head motion to prevent discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of head support rigidity from fixed to adjustable. By modifying the support parameters to allow controlled movement while maintaining positioning accuracy, the system resolves the contradiction between stability and comfort
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid head fixation is used to prevent head movement, then coil alignment is improved, but patient comfort during prolonged sessions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device enables prolonged comfortable positioning by incorporating dynamic movement capabilities. The support system can adjust and move with the patient's head over extended periods, maintaining precise coil alignment while preventing the discomfort that would otherwise accumulate during long sessions
3Ease of operation
If a movable connection is introduced to allow head movement, then patient comfort is improved, but coil positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device acts as an intermediary between the patient's head and the magnetic coil. It provides a movable connection that allows head movement while simultaneously maintaining coil positioning stability through its support and adjustment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between movement freedom and positioning reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for positioning a magnetic coil (2) for transcranial magnetic stimulation relative to a patient's head. The device (1) comprises a head unit (4) with a support pad (6) for the patient's head and a positioning unit (18) connected to the support pad (6) with a coil receptacle (20) for holding the magnetic coil (2). The device (1) also includes a stationary support arm (38) for holding the head unit (4). A reversibly movable connection (40) is provided between the head unit (4) and the support arm (38) such that a change in the force exerted by the patient's head on the support pad (6) causes a relative movement between the head unit (4) and the support arm (38) via the movable connection (40).