Medical Device Magnetizer Sections for Multi-Signature 3D Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ferrous medical devices require multiple magnetizers to generate unique magnetic signatures for tracking in 3D space, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A magnetizer system with a single-dipole section and a multipole section, capable of generating two or more magnetic fields using a plurality of magnets, allowing for the imparting of single-dipole and multipole magnetic signatures to medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different magnetizers are used to generate multiple unique magnetic signatures, then the ability to track multiple medical devices with different magnetic signatures is improved, but the device complexity and the number of required magnetizers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetizer system is designed with multiple independent magnet assemblies (first magnet assembly, second magnet assembly, third magnet assembly) that can each generate different magnetic field configurations. By selectively activating different combinations of these magnet assemblies, a single magnetizer can produce multiple unique magnetic signatures (first magnetic signature, second magnetic signature, third magnetic signature), thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate magnetizers while maintaining the ability to track multiple medical devices with distinct magnetic signatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetizer is divided into separate magnet assemblies (first, second, and third magnet assemblies) that can be independently controlled. Each assembly can be activated or deactivated to create different magnetic field patterns. This segmentation allows the system to generate multiple unique magnetic signatures by selectively combining the output of individual magnet assemblies, resolving the contradiction between providing multiple signatures and maintaining simple device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different magnetizers are used to generate multiple unique magnetic signatures, then the variety of magnetic signatures available is improved, but the ease of operation and system simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magnet assemblies that would traditionally require separate magnetizer devices are merged into a single integrated magnetizer system. The first, second, and third magnet assemblies are housed together with shared control electronics and power supply, allowing all magnetic signatures to be generated from one device. This merging improves ease of operation by eliminating the need to physically swap between multiple magnetizers while maintaining the full variety of magnetic signatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single magnetizer system is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively activating different magnet assemblies. A control system enables the operator to select which magnetic signature to generate (first, second, or third magnetic signature) based on the tracking requirements, all from one unified device. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing signature variety without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby simplifying operation.
3Device complexity
If a single magnetizer is designed to provide multiple unique magnetic signatures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetizer is manufactured as a modular system with distinct magnet assemblies (first, second, and third magnet assemblies) that can be independently positioned and calibrated. Each assembly can be designed with standard configurations that are easier to manufacture, and then combined in a modular fashion within the single magnetizer housing. This segmentation approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to designing one complex monolithic magnet assembly, while still achieving multiple magnetic signatures through selective activation of the modular components.
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 the use of a single magnetizer to provide multiple unique magnetic signatures, simplifying the tracking process and reducing the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnets configured to generate two or more magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
The magnetizer includes one or more sensors configured to detect the medical device through optical sensing, inductive sensing, or a radiofrequency identification ("RFID") reader
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imparting a magnetic signature includes inserting a first medical device into a single-dipole section of a magnetizer and positioning a second medical device into a multipole section of the magnetizer. Inserting the first medical device into the single-dipole section can impart a single-dipole magnetic signature with a first magnetic field to the first medical device. Positioning the second medical device into the multipole section can impart a multipole magnetic signature with a second magnetic field to the second medical device.