MEMS Navigation Unit Quick-Connect Receptacle for CAS Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-assisted surgery (CAS) systems using micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) face challenges in maintaining precise alignment and orientation when the MEMS unit is removed and re-attached, requiring repeated calibration, which hinders efficient switching between different CAS instruments.
Innovation Solution
A CAS navigation assembly featuring a quick-connect and quick-disconnect interconnection system with orthogonal planes and ball-in-socket features ensures precise and repeatable alignment of the MEMS navigation unit with its receptacle, allowing for consistent orientation without the need for recalibration, enabling the same MEMS unit to navigate multiple instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the MEMS unit is removed and re-attached to switch between CAS instruments, then the ability to use the same MEMS unit with multiple instruments is improved, but the alignment precision and orientation accuracy deteriorate due to the need for repeated calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a standardized receptacle interface on each CAS instrument that defines a fixed reference frame. The MEMS unit is pre-calibrated to this standardized interface, so when attached to any instrument with the same receptacle design, the calibration is already valid without requiring re-calibration. This preliminary setup of the standardized interface solves the contradiction by enabling instrument switching while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through a standardized receptacle design that is identical across multiple CAS instruments. The receptacle includes fixed reference features (such as orthogonal planes, ball-in-socket mechanisms, or other positioning elements) that create a consistent reference frame regardless of which instrument the MEMS unit is attached to. This universal interface allows the same MEMS unit to be used with multiple instruments while maintaining precise alignment and orientation without re-calibration.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration procedures are used each time the MEMS is re-attached, then the measurement accuracy is maintained, but the time consumption and operational efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized receptacle interface is pre-configured with fixed reference features that define a known reference frame. The MEMS unit is pre-calibrated to this standardized interface geometry. When the MEMS unit is attached to any instrument with the same receptacle design, the calibration is already established, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-calibration procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle interface is designed to automatically establish the correct alignment and orientation when the MEMS unit is attached, without requiring manual calibration operations. The fixed reference features (such as orthogonal planes, ball-in-socket mechanisms, or other positioning elements) self-align the MEMS unit to the instrument's reference frame, making the calibration process automatic and eliminating time-consuming manual procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized receptacle interface is implemented to enable quick-connect and quick-disconnect, then the ease of operation and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the specialized connection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the navigation system into separate modular components: the MEMS navigation unit and the receptacle integrated into the CAS instrument. The receptacle contains all the complex reference features and positioning mechanisms, while the MEMS unit remains relatively simple. This segmentation allows the complex standardized interface to be built into the instrument without complicating the MEMS unit itself, enabling quick-connect capability while managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized receptacle acts as an intermediary between the MEMS unit and the CAS instrument. It provides a predefined reference frame and alignment mechanism that mediates the connection, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex mechanisms in either the MEMS unit or the instrument body. The receptacle absorbs the complexity of the alignment and positioning functions, enabling simple quick-connect operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-assisted surgery (CAS) navigation assembly comprises a micro-electromechanical sensor (MEMS) navigation unit having one or more MEMS to provide at least orientation data. A support receives the MEMS navigation unit therein, the support being adapted to be mounted on the instrument in a fixed orientation relative to established navigated features of the instrument. At least two mating ball-in-socket features are disposed between the MEMS navigation unit and the support at opposed ends thereof for releasably engaging the MEMS navigation unit in precise orientational alignment within the receptacle, the at least two mating ball-in-socket features comprising catches aligned along an axis extending between the opposed ends, at least one of the catches being a biased catch. A method of connecting a MEMS navigation unit with a mating support fixed to a CAS instrument navigated by the CAS system is also provided.