Navigation Marker Carrier for Stable Surgical Array Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical navigation technologies face challenges in accurately and efficiently coupling single-use reflective markers to navigation arrays, leading to tracking inaccuracies and the need for single-use instruments due to fragile markers and complex decoupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A carrier housing system is introduced to securely and precisely position single-use navigation markers in navigation arrays, utilizing features like interference fits, threaded connections, and flexible arms to ensure accurate alignment and minimize vibrations, allowing for reusable arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If navigation markers are coupled to an array using conventional methods, then the markers can be positioned on the array, but the coupling process is time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring manual alignment and attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming recesses in the array elements and pre-configuring magnets within these recesses before the actual coupling process. This preparation allows for rapid attachment of navigation markers without time-consuming manual alignment, as the markers simply need to be placed over the pre-positioned magnets which automatically snap into place through magnetic attraction.
2Reliability
If navigation markers are securely coupled to the array, then the markers remain stable during use, but the coupling mechanism adds complexity to the array structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnets as an intermediary coupling mechanism between the array elements and navigation markers. The magnets are embedded in recesses within the array elements, creating a simple yet reliable coupling system. This intermediary magnetic coupling provides secure attachment while maintaining structural simplicity, avoiding complex mechanical fastening systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the array elements have integrated coupling features, then the markers can be quickly attached, but the manufacturing process for the array elements becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses in the array elements are pre-formed during the manufacturing process, allowing for precise positioning of the magnets before final assembly. This preliminary formation of coupling features enables quick marker attachment while maintaining manufacturing precision, as the recesses guide the magnets to exact locations without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments.
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 enables precise and efficient tracking of surgical instruments by maintaining marker alignment and damping vibrations, reducing the need for single-use instruments and enhancing surgical navigation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A navigation marker is coupled to an array element using a magnet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A coupling system for securing and positioning a reflective marker in a navigation array is disclosed. The coupling system can include a carrier configured to hold the marker with a reflective element for detection by a surgical tracking system in a socket of the array. The carrier can include a body with an exterior for interfacing with the socket and an open end with engagement features for holding a body of the marker. The carrier is configured to visibly present the reflective element of the marker in the socket when the carrier is disposed in the socket. The carrier can be configured to securely hold the marker to the array when the marker is disposed in the carrier and the carrier is disposed in the array such that the marker cannot be removed from the carrier unless the carrier is removed from the socket.