Electromagnetic Coil Arrangement with Non-Concentric Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic field tracking systems face inaccuracies due to distortions caused by field-distorting objects, such as metal equipment and conductive medical devices, which can lead to errors in determining the position and orientation of medical devices during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electromagnetic coil arrangement with planar coils coupled to a conductive layer, featuring non-concentric rings that generate a tilted magnetic field moment vector, reduces distortion by shielding from distorting objects and providing orthogonal magnetic fields for accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electromagnetic field tracking is used, then position and orientation can be determined, but accuracy deteriorates due to magnetic field distortions from metal equipment and conductive objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive layer as an intermediary element between the electromagnetic coil and the distorting objects. This conductive layer acts as a shield that intercepts and redirects magnetic field lines, preventing them from being distorted by nearby metal equipment and conductive objects. The layer mediates the interaction between the tracking system and the environment, maintaining field integrity without requiring removal of distorting objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of conductive objects and metal equipment into a beneficial shielding mechanism. By placing a conductive layer in strategic positions, the system utilizes the same conductive properties that cause distortion to create protective shields. The distorting objects' inherent conductivity is transformed into a useful feature for field protection.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic shielding is added to reduce distortion, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electromagnetic coil into multiple separate coils arranged in a specific geometric configuration. Each coil can be independently controlled and optimized, allowing the system to create complex magnetic field patterns while maintaining individual coil simplicity. This segmentation enables the implementation of shielding strategies without requiring a complete redesign of the entire electromagnetic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric coil arrangements and non-uniform conductive layer configurations optimized for specific tracking scenarios. Rather than using symmetric designs that require more elements, the asymmetric layout strategically places coils and conductive layers where they provide maximum shielding benefit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of position and orientation determination by minimizing interference from conductive objects, allowing for precise tracking of medical devices in the presence of distortions.
Implementation Method 1
each of the electromagnetic sensors comprising a planar coil coupled to a conductive layer, the planar coil comprising non-concentric rings
Implementation Method 2
the planar coil coupled to a conductive layer... reduces distortion by shielding from distorting objects
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic fields are detected by one or more complementary EM sensors. In such a system the mutual inductance of the EM field detected may be processed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electromagnetic coil arrangement comprising a set of electromagnetic sensors at fixed locations with respect to each other, each of the electromagnetic sensors comprising a planar coil coupled to a conductive layer, the planar coil comprising non-concentric rings. Further, provided is an electromagnetic tracking system, comprising an electromagnetic coil arrangement, at least one complementary electromagnetic sensor and a processor configured to process a signal comprising data indicative of a mutual inductance between the at least one complementary electromagnetic sensor and each of the set of the electromagnetic sensors of the electromagnetic coil arrangement. Also, provided are a method of tracking and a method of manufacturing an electromagnetic coil arrangement.