Magnetic Detachable Tracking Reference Array for Surgical Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking references for surgical tracking systems are cumbersome, expensive to produce, and difficult to sterilize, limiting their applicability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A tracking reference with a positionally fixed arrangement of tracking markers and a detachable interface featuring magnetic means for attachment to a base member, allowing for easy and secure coupling without additional mechanical means, enabling cost-effective and versatile use across various applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical means such as resiliently articulated elements are used to attach the reference array to the base member, then the connection is secure, but the device becomes cumbersome, expensive to produce and difficult to sterilise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical attachment means (resiliently articulated elements, snap-fits) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic means generate a force directed away from the supporting surface, creating a simple yet secure connection between the reference array and base member without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of attachment from mechanical interlocking to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic force as the attachment mechanism, the system achieves secure connection while eliminating the complexity, cost, and sterilization difficulties associated with mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex mechanical attachment means are used, then the reference array can be securely attached, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive mechanical attachment components with relatively simple magnetic means. This replacement significantly reduces production costs while maintaining secure attachment, as magnetic components are generally less expensive to manufacture than precision mechanical articulation elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If mechanical attachment means are used, then the reference array can be firmly connected to the base member, but sterilisation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsterilisation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment means with magnetic attachment, which eliminates the sterilization problems associated with mechanical components. Magnetic means do not have moving parts, joints, or articulation elements that can trap contaminants, making the entire assembly easier to sterilize while maintaining firm connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If magnetic means are used to generate force directed away from the supporting surface, then the reference array can be easily and securely attached to the base member, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment easeVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic means with the supporting surface in the interface design. The magnetic means are integrated into the interface structure, combining the attachment function with the mechanical interface in a unified design that does not significantly increase overall complexity while enabling easy and secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a cost-effective and easy-to-use tracking reference that can be easily sterilized, suitable for a wide range of applications, ensuring precise spatial tracking of anatomical structures and medical instruments without the need for complex mechanical attachments.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic means which generate a force at the reference array, wherein the force is directed away from the supporting surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12115030B2Detachable tracking reference array

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 BRAINLAB AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a tracking reference, comprising: a reference array (1) featuring a positionally fixed arrangement of at least two tracking markers (3); and an interface (4A) for detachably coupling the reference array (1) to a base member (2), wherein the interface (4A) comprises at least one supporting surface (5) for contacting the base member (2), wherein the interface (4A) comprises magnetic means (6) which generate a force at the reference array, wherein the force (F) is directed away from the supporting surface (5).