Localized Magnetic Field Generator for Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices that use magnetic fields for tracking objects, such as catheters, face challenges with magnetic field distortion caused by ferrous objects, leading to inaccurate object localization.

Innovation Solution

A localized magnetic field generator system that includes multiple magnetic field transmitting elements, a magnetic sensor, controller circuitry, and a signal generator. This system generates a magnetic field in an area of interest and a rapidly fading magnetic field in a separate area to mitigate the effect of magnetic field-disrupting components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic field is generated for tracking objects, then object localization capability is enabled, but magnetic field distortion caused by ferrous objects leads to inaccurate localization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject localization accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic field distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generator is divided into multiple independently controllable transmitting elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each element can be individually activated or deactivated to shape the magnetic field distribution, allowing the system to segment the field generation task and avoid areas with ferrous objects that cause distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements different magnetic field characteristics in different spatial regions. By controlling individual transmitting elements, the magnetic field strength and distribution can be optimized locally in the area of interest while reducing field strength in regions where ferrous objects are present, thereby achieving high localization accuracy where needed while minimizing distortion elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If magnetic field strength is increased to improve tracking signal quality, then signal detection improves, but magnetic field distortion by ferrous objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking signal qualityVSAvoidmagnetic field distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different magnetic field intensities to different spatial zones. High field strength is concentrated in the area of interest where accurate tracking is needed, while field strength is reduced in regions containing ferrous objects. This is achieved by selectively activating transmitting elements based on the known or detected positions of ferrous objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses information about ferrous object locations to its advantage. By detecting or predicting where ferrous objects are present, the system can pre-adjust the magnetic field configuration to avoid these areas, converting the potential harm of field distortion into a benefit by optimizing field distribution around problematic regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Area of stationary object

If magnetic field is extended to cover larger area, then tracking coverage increases, but field strength at distance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking coverage areaVSAvoidmagnetic field strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generation is segmented across multiple transmitting elements distributed over a large area. Each element contributes to the overall field, and by selectively activating only the necessary subset of elements, the system can extend coverage to large areas while maintaining adequate field strength in the region of interest without requiring all elements to operate at high power simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system achieves precise localization of objects within the magnetic field by reducing magnetic field distortions caused by ferrous objects, thereby improving the accuracy and repeatability of object tracking.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of magnetic field transmitting elements generate a magnetic field in the area of interest and a rapidly fading magnetic field in a separate area proximal the area of interest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic sensor is coupled to the object, and senses a magnetic field at the object indicative of the position of the sensor within the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12303249B2Localized magnetic field generator

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 ST JUDE MEDICAL INT HLDG SARL

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for generating a magnetic field for tracking of an object. The apparatus may include transmitting elements that generate a desired magnetic field (when combined) in an area of interest, and a rapid decaying magnetic field in a separate area. The separate area can be adjacent to the area of interest and can include a magnetic field-disrupting component.