Bidirectional Kinematic Mount for Surgical Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation systems in surgical settings face challenges when tracking objects, as the positional relationship between tracking devices and objects changes upon removal and reattachment, requiring recalibration, which can lead to inaccurate tracking.
Innovation Solution
A kinematic mounting assembly comprising a kinematic mounting key and receiver, which kinematically constrains all six degrees of freedom, allowing for repeatable disconnection and reconnection without recalibration, using a base kinematic element, protrusions, and clearance channels to secure the tracker head to the object in a consistent position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tracking device is removed from the object and reattached, then the tracking device can be repositioned or resecured, but the positional relationship between the tracking device and the object changes, requiring recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The kinematic mounting key incorporates pre-configured constraint surfaces and clearance channels that establish a predetermined, repeatable positional relationship between the tracking device and object. The geometry of the key and receiver is designed in advance to ensure that when assembled, the tracking device always assumes the correct position without requiring recalibration, thus performing the positioning action beforehand through the mechanical design itself
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the connection from a fixed rigid attachment to a kinematic constraint system with specific degrees of freedom. By utilizing clearance channels that allow controlled movement in certain directions while maintaining precise positioning in others, the system enables removal and reattachment while preserving the positional relationship through controlled parameter changes in the mechanical connection
2Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used to secure the tracking device, then the device can be firmly attached, but recalibration is required after each removal and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The kinematic mounting key and receiver assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning. The constraint surfaces and clearance channels automatically guide the tracking device into the correct position during assembly, eliminating the need for external calibration procedures. The system serves itself by incorporating the positioning function directly into the mechanical connection structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the kinematic mounting key with its specific constraint geometry, the receiver that receives the key, and the tracking device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a repeatable interface, enabling firm attachment without recalibration
Data Source
AI summary
A kinematic mounting key engageable with a kinematic mounting receiver is provided. The kinematic mounting key comprises a base kinematic element, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. Each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion defines a clearance channel and comprises a kinematic element. The clearance channels and the kinematic elements are configured so that the kinematic mounting key is engageable with the kinematic mounting receiver in a first arrangement at six points of contact and in a second arrangement at six points of contact that are at least partially different from the six points of contact of the first arrangement.