Ferromagnetic Sheet Thermal Insulation for Magnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic tracking systems in surgical procedures, such as nasal sinus surgery, are prone to errors due to disturbances in the magnetic field caused by the presence of metallic objects, which can lead to critical positioning inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic tracking assembly comprising a ferromagnetic sheet and radiators, with a solid thermal insulation sheet between them to prevent thermal energy transfer and maintain the ferromagnetic sheet's temperature constant, thereby minimizing distortions in the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ferromagnetic sheet is placed near radiators to reduce magnetic field distortion from extraneous metals, then measurement precision is improved, but thermal energy from radiators distorts the magnetic field characteristics of the ferromagnetic sheet
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulation sheet is introduced as an intermediary layer between the radiators and the ferromagnetic sheet. This mediator blocks thermal energy transfer from the radiators to the ferromagnetic sheet, preventing temperature-induced distortion of magnetic field characteristics while allowing the ferromagnetic sheet to continue shielding against extraneous metal interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: radiators for generating magnetic fields, thermal insulation sheet for thermal isolation, and ferromagnetic sheet for magnetic shielding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the others, particularly preventing thermal cross-contamination
2Reliability
If the ferromagnetic sheet is positioned close to radiators to maximize magnetic shielding effectiveness, then reliability is improved, but thermal coupling between radiators and ferromagnetic sheet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation sheet serves as a mediator that decouples the thermal interaction between radiators and ferromagnetic sheet while maintaining their spatial proximity for effective magnetic shielding. This allows the system to achieve both reliability through close positioning and energy efficiency through thermal isolation
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 solution significantly reduces the impact of extraneous metals on the magnetic field, maintaining accurate tracking of invasive probes and ensuring reliable surgical precision by keeping the ferromagnetic sheet's characteristics unchanged.
Implementation Method 1
a solid sheet of thermal insulation, mounted between the ferromagnetic sheet and the at least one radiator so as to prevent transfer of thermal energy from the at least one radiator to the ferromagnetic sheet
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic field position and orientation measurement system. The system is stated to contain, confine and re-direct the magnetic field from one or more transmitters such that the fields are attenuated in areas outside of the operating volume in areas where metallic objects are commonly found
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, including a ferromagnetic sheet and at least one radiator, mounted in proximity to the ferromagnetic sheet and configured to radiate a magnetic field into a region in proximity thereto. The apparatus further includes a solid sheet of thermal insulation, mounted between the ferromagnetic sheet and the at least one radiator so as to prevent transfer of thermal energy from the at least one radiator to the ferromagnetic sheet.