TMS Coil Positioning Gantry with Multi-Axis Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for positioning transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils are either manual and imprecise or require expensive and complex imaging systems, making them unsuitable for clinical use due to lack of repeatability and patient comfort.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical device comprising a head support, coil alignment assembly, and coil gantry with multi-axis support that allows adjustment of pitch, roll, and yaw, enabling precise and repeatable positioning of the TMS coil relative to the patient's head without fixing the patient in one position, using a mobile console with display for user input and alignment features like alignment straps and laser guides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods are used for coil positioning, then the operator can perform placement, but the positioning is imprecise and not repeatable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil placement precisionVSAvoidrepeatability of positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mechanical positioning device with alignment features (straps, guides, markers) as an intermediary between the operator and the coil positioning process. This device provides physical reference points and constraints that guide the operator to achieve precise and repeatable coil placement without requiring complex imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex imaging and computational systems with a simpler mechanical positioning system. The device uses physical mechanical elements such as alignment straps, guides, and markers that directly assist in coil positioning through tactile and visual feedback, eliminating the need for expensive imaging modalities while improving precision and repeatability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex imaging systems are used for coil positioning, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil placement precisionVSAvoidimaging and computational systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as alignment straps, markers, and guides that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These components provide sufficient precision for clinical use without the high cost and complexity of imaging systems, making the positioning device accessible for routine clinical practice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential positioning function from complex imaging systems. By using standalone mechanical alignment features that can be applied directly to the patient's head or treatment surface, the system eliminates the need for expensive MRI, CT, or PET imaging infrastructure while maintaining adequate positioning accuracy for TMS coil placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual positioning methods are used, then no special equipment is needed, but the technique is highly operator dependent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of positioning systemVSAvoidoperator dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed to be self-aligning through its mechanical features. The alignment straps, guides, and markers automatically provide reference points that guide the operator, reducing reliance on operator skill and experience. The system essentially positions itself with minimal operator intervention, making the technique more consistent across different operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If marks are applied to the patient for positioning reference, then the position can be marked, but the marks may wash off and are cosmetically undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition marking accuracyVSAvoidcosmetic concerns and mark durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mechanical positioning device with alignment features as an intermediary that provides reference points without requiring direct marking of the patient's skin. The straps, guides, and external markers serve as durable references that do not wash off and are less cosmetically concerning, while still providing the necessary positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9884200B2Apparatus for coil positioning for TMS studies

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 NEURONETICS INC

AI summary

A method and device provide simple positioning of a TMS coil relative to a coordinate system of the patient's head while allowing flexible positioning of the patient's head. The system includes a mobile console on a wheeled base that integrates various subsystems and supports a mast that, in turn, supports a coil gantry that supports a TMS coil assembly. The coil gantry includes a balance arm with a counterbalance and a halo assembly that connects to the coil. The coil gantry supports the weight of the coil and allows free movement of the coil in all dimensions for easy placement on the patient's head. A head support and coil alignment aligns the patient's head and holds the head in place relative to the coil during TMS treatment.