Asymmetric Coil Roll-Sensing Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device sensors can only detect five degrees of freedom (3D position and two orientation parameters, pitch, and yaw) due to their design, lacking the ability to detect rotation about the central axis, known as roll, which limits their functionality in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A roll-sensing sensor assembly is designed with a plurality of electrodes and an electromagnetic sensor, where the coil has a nonzero winding angle relative to a line perpendicular to the axis, allowing detection of roll by combining magnetic and electrical mapping signals to achieve six degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single electromagnetic sensor with symmetric coil is used, then space is minimized and open central lumen is accommodated, but roll detection capability is lost (only 5 DOF)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a nonzero winding angle between the coil and the catheter longitudinal axis. This asymmetric configuration breaks the symmetry of the electromagnetic sensor, enabling it to detect roll (rotation about the longitudinal axis) in addition to pitch and yaw, thereby achieving 6 DOF while maintaining a single sensor assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional parameter by tilting the coil winding angle relative to the perpendicular line of the longitudinal axis. This angular dimension transforms the sensor from detecting only 5 DOF to detecting all 6 DOF, including roll, without adding multiple separate sensors
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors with differently oriented coils are used, then roll detection is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate sensors into a single electromagnetic sensor assembly. By combining multiple coils with different winding angles into one integrated sensor, it achieves roll detection capability without requiring multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The single electromagnetic sensor assembly performs multiple functions: it detects position in 3D space, pitch, yaw, and roll simultaneously. This multi-functional sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, simplifying the overall device architecture
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
Enables accurate determination of the roll and orientation of medical devices, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of medical procedures by providing complete spatial awareness, including roll detection, which was previously unattainable with five-degree freedom sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A coil can extend along and be disposed about a second axis... the coil cannot detect rotation about the central axis of the core
Implementation Method 2
The electrodes can detect the electrical field generated by the NavX system and thereby detect position in 3D space
Data Source
AI summary
A roll-sensing sensor assembly comprises an elongate body defining a first axis. A plurality of electrodes can be disposed about the first axis. A coil can extend along and be disposed about a second axis. In some embodiments, a canting plane of a loop in the coil is nonzero relative to a line perpendicular to and extending from the first axis.