Hydrocephalus Valve Locator With Rotating Rings for Fast Re-Zeroing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locator tools for implanted cerebrospinal fluid drainage valves require frequent re-zeroing and alignment adjustments, making the process time-consuming and inefficient, especially when trying to maintain the absolute orientation of the indicator tool with the valve's flow direction.
Innovation Solution
A toolkit comprising a locator with an upper and lower ring system that rotates relative to each other, a telescoping section for adjusting height, and an indicator that nests within the locator, allowing for precise alignment and zeroing of the valve setting without interfering with the valve or patient's skin, enabling consistent and reliable location and adjustment of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the locator tool is used with a magneto-resistive sensor based indicator tool, then the valve can be located and its setting determined, but the indicator tool requires frequent re-zeroing and alignment adjustments which is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locator tool incorporates a rotatable upper ring that can rotate independently relative to the lower ring, allowing the indicator tool to maintain its absolute orientation while the locator is repositioned or reoriented on the patient's skin. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for frequent re-zeroing and alignment adjustments, resolving the technical contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
2Ease of operation
If the locator tool is repositioned or reoriented on the patient's skin, then better alignment with the valve can be achieved, but the indicator tool's absolute orientation changes requiring new zeroing
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable upper ring mechanism allows the locator to be dynamically repositioned and reoriented without affecting the indicator tool's absolute orientation. The upper ring can rotate independently to accommodate different alignment requirements while the indicator maintains its reference frame, enabling easy operation without time-consuming re-zeroing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator tool is segmented into two independent rotational components: the lower ring that contacts the patient's skin and can be positioned, and the upper ring that rotates independently to maintain alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, eliminating the coupling that would otherwise require re-zeroing when repositioned.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locator tool structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture and use improve, but the ability to maintain indicator tool's absolute orientation while rotating the locator is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable upper ring provides a simple yet effective dynamic mechanism that maintains the indicator tool's absolute orientation while allowing the locator to be rotated for proper alignment. This dynamic feature adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving reliability by ensuring consistent orientation reference throughout the procedure.
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
The toolkit allows for efficient and accurate location and adjustment of the valve setting, reducing the need for frequent re-zeroing and alignment, thereby streamlining the process of managing cerebrospinal fluid drainage and pressure control for patients with hydrocephalus.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto-resistive sensor based indicator tool needs to be zeroed at a distance of at least 10 to 15 cm from the valve in order to take into account the earth magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5B
Figure 5C~7
AI summary
A locator 200 as part of a toolkit for locating an implanted valve. The locator 200 is used in concert with an indicator that nests therein. The locator 200 has a lower ring 220 with a contact surface 216, contacting a patient, a key 218 positioning the nested indicator to prevent rotation, and a lower ring joint 214B opposite the contact surface. Also included is an upper ring 210 with an upper ring joint 214A rotatingly interfacing with the lower ring joint 214B, a flow direction identifier 204, and a flow setting identifier 206. Further, the upper and the lower rings rotate relative to each other, and the lower ring is floor-less.