Magnetic Signature Imprinting With Electromagnet Arrays for Medical Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic tracking systems for medical devices are limited to producing a single magnetic signature and lack compatibility with various types, shapes, and sizes of medical devices, necessitating a customizable magnetic signature imprinting system.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic signature imprinting system comprising an imprinting apparatus with electromagnets, a console, and sensors that selectively activate electromagnets to create customizable magnetic signatures on medical devices, including needles, stylets, guidewires, and other medical tools, using dipoles and multipoles with varying orientations and spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single magnetic signature is produced, then the tracking system is simple, but it cannot be compatible with various types, shapes, and sizes of medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic signature imprinting system is designed to universally accommodate various types, shapes, and sizes of medical devices through a standardized imprinting interface. The system can imprint customized magnetic signatures on different device geometries (needles, stylets, guidewires, etc.) using the same fundamental apparatus, making it multi-functional and adaptable across diverse medical device categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system customizes magnetic signatures by varying parameters such as dipole strength, spacing, orientation, and configuration to match specific medical device characteristics. By adjusting these magnetic parameters, the system achieves compatibility with different device types without requiring physical modifications to the imprinting apparatus itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customizable magnetic signatures are generated for all types, shapes, and sizes of medical devices, then compatibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic signature is segmented into multiple discrete dipoles that can be independently controlled and positioned along the medical device. This segmentation allows the system to create complex magnetic patterns by combining simpler dipole elements, reducing the overall system complexity while achieving customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of electromagnet activation sequences to generate different magnetic signature patterns. By selectively activating electromagnets in specific sequences and combinations, the system achieves versatility in magnetic signature generation without requiring physical reconfiguration of the apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dipoles with varying lengths, orientations, and spacings are used, then magnetic signature customization is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates verification mechanisms that detect and validate the imprinted magnetic signature characteristics. This feedback loop ensures that the magnetic dipoles are correctly positioned and configured on the medical device, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling extensive customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical positioning and alignment mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based dipole creation. By using electromagnets to generate magnetic dipoles directly in space, the system eliminates the need for precise mechanical positioning of physical magnetic elements, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining customization capability.
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 the generation of customizable magnetic signatures on diverse medical devices, enhancing compatibility and trackability in three-dimensional space, with verification mechanisms to ensure accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a number of electromagnets disposed within the imprinting space... selectively activating one or more of the number to electromagnets to imprint a defined magnetic signature on the medical device
Implementation Method 2
a number of magnetometers coupled with the console, where the magnetometers are configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the imprinted magnetic signature on the medical device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a magnetic signature imprinting system including an imprinting device and a medical device having ferrous elements. The imprinting device includes an active area configured to receive the medical device. The active area includes one or more electromagnets configured to generate one or more electromagnetic fields to imprint a magnetic signature. The imprinting device further includes one or more sensors or a user input mechanism configured to detect one or more characteristics of the medical device and a console in communication with each of the electromagnets and the sensors.