Magnetic Sensor Mounting Element for Secure Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reference patches with push-in mounting elements for magnetic sensors are prone to disengagement due to cable tension, require additional patient movement for recontact, and cause artifacts in imaging systems, particularly during X-ray exams.
Innovation Solution
A folding mounting element with a secure locking mechanism that replaces the foam pad, allowing the sensor to be placed in a receiving space and locked with a cover, ensuring secure fixation and easy removal without foam-related artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push-in mounting element is used to retain the magnetic sensor, then the sensor can be easily installed, but the sensor can disengage when cable tension is applied or during patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical push-in retention system with a magnetic field-based retention system. The mounting element includes a magnet that magnetically couples with a ferromagnetic material in the sensor housing, providing secure retention without mechanical interlocking. This allows easy installation through simple placement while ensuring reliable retention under cable tension and patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from mechanical friction-based (push-in) to magnetic field-based. By introducing a magnet in the mounting element and a ferromagnetic material in the sensor, the retention force is changed from static friction to magnetic attraction, which maintains constant holding force regardless of cable tension angles or minor position changes.
2Strength
If a foam pad is used around the sensor, then the sensor is cushioned and positioned, but imaging artifacts are generated during X-ray exams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the foam pad from the mounting element structure. Instead of using foam for cushioning and positioning, the design relies on the magnetic retention force to hold the sensor securely in place and the natural compliance of the gel electrode material to provide cushioning. This elimination of foam completely removes the source of X-ray imaging artifacts while maintaining sensor stability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the mounting element structure is simplified without foam, then imaging artifacts are eliminated, but sensor positioning and cushioning must be achieved through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gel electrode material serve multiple functions: electrical conduction, skin adhesion, and mechanical cushioning. The magnet serves dual purposes of securing the sensor housing and providing structural anchor points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate foam cushioning components while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining a rigid or semi-rigid mounting element base with a flexible gel electrode material. The gel material provides compliance and cushioning properties that foam would have provided, while the rigid base incorporates the magnet for secure retention. This composite approach eliminates foam artifacts while maintaining structural integrity and sensor cushioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting element (8) for releasably receiving a sensor (18) for transferring and/or receiving electrical currents and/or signals relating to a body of an organism, comprising a mounting element base (9) having a receiving space (17) for receiving the sensor (18), the receiving space (17) comprising a floor (19), a wall (16) disposed on the floor (19) and disposed on at least three sides, an opening (20) formed by at least one tab (21, 22), at least one clip closure (23, 24), and further comprising a cover (10) for the mounting element base (9), an at least three-sided wall being disposed on the inner side (11) thereof, the end face (30) thereof being implemented for contacting the end face (41) of the wall (16), wherein at least one counterpart (28, 29) to the at least one clip closure (23, 24) is disposed on the wall (27), and the mounting element base (9) and the cover (10) are connected to each other by a connecting element (13) such that the cover (10) is displaceable relative to the mounting element base (9), and the mounting element base (9) and the cover (10) are therefore lockable to each other by means of the at least one clip closure (23, 24) and the at least one counterpart (28, 29) and can also be opened again.