Navigation Marker Support Hub With Snap-Fit Surgical Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems require time-consuming assembly of multiple markers to instruments, especially in medical applications, which are often single-use or require sterilization, affecting surgical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A support and holder system with a hub and ledge design that allows for quick, stable attachment of multiple markers to instruments using a snap-fit mechanism, reducing assembly time and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple markers are detachedly mounted to a support using threads or annular snap-fit connections, then the markers can be assembled to the support, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple markers into a single integrated marker assembly that attaches to the support as one unit rather than individually mounting each marker. This merging of multiple markers into a pre-assembled unit dramatically reduces assembly time while maintaining stable attachment through the hub's snap-fit feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers are pre-assembled onto the support in a preliminary manufacturing step, creating a pre-configured marker assembly. This preliminary action allows the markers to be attached to the instrument during surgery without requiring time-consuming individual assembly, as the entire marker assembly is already prepared and ready for quick attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If markers are detachedly mounted to allow sterilization, then markers can be disassembled for washing and sterilization, but the repeated assembly and disassembly increases preparation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes embodiments where the marker assembly can be designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization cycles. Alternatively, the hub with its snap-fit feature allows quick disassembly for sterilization when reusable designs are employed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub design provides multi-functionality by enabling both secure attachment of the marker assembly and easy disassembly for sterilization purposes. The snap-fit feature allows the same component to serve both attachment and detachment functions, accommodating both reusable and disposable configurations.
3Measurement precision
If markers are attached with great accuracy to maintain sub-millimeter navigation precision, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The markers are pre-positioned and pre-assembled onto the support with high precision during manufacturing, ensuring sub-millimeter accuracy is achieved in the preliminary step. This preliminary precision work eliminates the need for time-consuming precision alignment during surgical assembly, as the markers are already accurately positioned when attached to the instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple markers into a single pre-assembled unit with fixed relative positions, the patent ensures that the precise spatial relationships between markers are maintained without requiring individual alignment during assembly. The entire marker assembly attaches as one unit, preserving navigation accuracy while simplifying the assembly process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single support with multiple markers is used to track objects in six degrees of freedom, then tracking capability is achieved, but the assembly of multiple markers to the support becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple markers and their individual supports into a single integrated marker assembly that attaches to the instrument as one unit. This merging reduces assembly complexity from individually mounting multiple markers to simply attaching one pre-configured assembly, while maintaining the six degrees of freedom tracking capability through the predetermined marker pattern.
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 fast and stable attachment of multiple markers to instruments, enhancing surgical efficiency by simplifying assembly and maintaining sub-millimeter accuracy in navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The hub may comprise at least one deflectable element. The at least one deflectable element may be configured to deflect during assembly of the support to the holder.
Data Source
AI summary
A support (1) for at least one marker for a navigation system is disclosed. The support (1) comprises a body (2) having at least one region for the at least one marker, and a hub (4) for attaching the support (1) to a holder. The hub (4) comprises at least one reference surface (6) located at a first end of the hub (4), at least one deflectable element (7) at a second end of the hub (4), at least one support guide surface (8) extending at least partially between the reference surface (6) and the deflectable element (7), and a snap-fit feature (9) located at the deflectable element (7). A holder (20) for the support (1) is also disclosed.