Hollow Ferromagnetic Core Electromagnetic Tracking Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic tracking systems face challenges with the weight and distortion of magnetic fields due to the need for external drive circuitry and signal processing, which affects the accuracy and portability of the units.
Innovation Solution
The integration of coil drive circuitry within a hollow ferromagnetic core, shielded with a ferromagnetic layer, allows for a compact, lighter unit with reduced magnetic field distortion, improving position output accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wire coils are wrapped around a ferromagnetic core to improve field strength, then magnetic field strength is improved, but the unit becomes heavy and requires external drive circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive circuitry with the coil assembly by integrating it into the hollow ferromagnetic core. This combines previously separate components (coils, core, and external electronics) into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for external drive circuitry and reducing overall weight while maintaining magnetic field strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places the drive circuitry inside the hollow ferromagnetic core, nesting the electronics within the core structure. This nesting approach allows the electronics to be contained within the existing core volume, reducing the overall unit size and weight while keeping the ferromagnetic core intact for its shielding and structural functions.
2Power
If wire coils are wrapped around a ferromagnetic core to improve field strength, then magnetic field strength is improved, but external connection to drive circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive circuitry with the coil assembly by integrating it into the hollow ferromagnetic core. This combines previously separate components (coils, core, and external electronics) into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for external drive circuitry and reducing overall weight while maintaining magnetic field strength.
3Ease of operation
If electronics are placed outside the ferromagnetic core, then electronics can be accessed, but magnetic field distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the drive circuitry inside the hollow ferromagnetic core, nesting the electronics within the core structure. This nesting approach allows the electronics to be contained within the existing core volume, reducing the overall unit size and weight while keeping the ferromagnetic core intact for its shielding and structural functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hollow ferromagnetic core structure to both shield the electronics from magnetic field distortion and provide a compact housing for the integrated circuitry. The ferromagnetic material's properties are leveraged to contain and direct magnetic fields while the hollow interior provides space for electronics, converting the potential harm of field distortion into beneficial field containment.
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 solution results in a more accurate and portable electromagnetic tracking system by minimizing magnetic field distortion and incorporating all necessary electronics within a smaller, lighter unit.
Implementation Method 1
The coil drive circuitry is contained within the core for a combined smaller and lighter unit compared with previous units while being shielded with a ferromagnetic layer. The shielding reduces the distortion of the magnetic fields developed by the winding disposed around the hollow ferromagnetic core.
Implementation Method 2
wire coils used in electromagnetic (EM) tracking systems are wrapped around a ferromagnetic core
Implementation Method 3
The resulting assemblage is heavy and requires a separate connection to external drive circuitry and signal processing
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic tracking system includes a magnetic transmitter configured to output magnetic fields, a receiver responsive to the magnetic fields, an electronics assembly having conductive elements that cause distortion to the magnetic fields, and an output mechanism configured to output a position of the receiver relative to the magnetic transmitter, wherein the magnetic transmitter has at least one winding disposed around a hollow ferromagnetic core comprised of conductive material through which current is made to flow by the electronics, wherein the electronics assembly is at least partially contained within the hollow portion of the hollow ferromagnetic core. Methods of manufacturing include shaping walls into a hollow shell to surround an electronics assembly, covering the hollow shell with ferromagnetic material, inserting the wrapped hollow shell into a plastic bobbin, and winding the plastic bobbin with coil wire to produce three orthogonal windings.