Object Positioning via Guided Rotation Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the orientation and position of objects, such as body implants, within confined spaces face challenges due to the need for rigid connections and free accessibility, which can lead to deformation errors and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sensing instrument connected for free rotation about two non-parallel axes of rotation, allowing the object's position to be calculated from the movement of a marking element, without requiring a rigid connection or full accessibility, using a guided connection through bearing tips and bores or sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid connection is established between the marking element and the object, then the position can be determined directly, but the connection may undergo deformation leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the marking element from the object, eliminating the need for a physical connection. The marking element is detected independently by the navigation system, while the object's position is calculated mathematically from the marked position and the transformation matrix, avoiding deformation issues entirely
Solution Approach 2:
A transformation matrix serves as an intermediary that mathematically connects the marked position to the object's position. This matrix, combined with the known transformation between the marking element and the object, allows indirect determination of object position without physical contact, preventing deformation errors
2Ease of operation
If the object is accessed from all sides for free movement of the sensing instrument, then the position can be determined by point-by-point scanning, but this is not possible when the object is implanted inside the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning approach (which requires physical access from all sides) with an optical/navigational system. The navigation system detects the marking element's position in space and calculates the object's position through mathematical transformations, eliminating the need for mechanical access to the object
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from three-dimensional mechanical scanning (requiring access from all sides) to a different dimensional approach by using spatial coordinates and transformation matrices. The object's position is determined through mathematical relationships in space rather than physical probing, allowing measurement even when the object is implanted inside the body
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 precise and simple determination of object position and orientation in space without deformation errors, even in confined environments, by calculating the axes of rotation and using additional position parameters when necessary to resolve ambiguity.
Implementation Method 1
the marking elements may have several spatially separate radiation sources or reflectors which direct radiation onto several likewise spatially separate radiation receivers, so that the position of the marking elements may be determined on the basis of the different propagation times
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining the orientation and the position of an object in space with the assistance of a sensing instrument are provided. The sensing instrument is provided with a marking element. The orientation and position of the marking element is determinable by means of the navigation system. In order to be able to carry out a reliable determination of the position, even under confined conditions of access, the sensing instrument is adapted to be successively connected in a guided manner to the object for free rotation about two non-parallel, defined axes of rotation. The sensing instrument can be rotated about these axes of rotation, and the orientation and the position of the two defined axes of rotation in space and hence the orientation and the position of the object in space can be calculated from the resulting movement of the marking element during this rotation.