Mirror-Symmetric Marker Device for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marker devices used in navigated procedures, such as neurosurgery and radiotherapy, are bulky and heavy, causing mechanical torque on fragile bony structures and impairing user-friendliness, while also complicating reliable three-dimensional position determination and object orientation in space.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight and compact marker device with mirror-symmetric markers, supported by a marker carrier and holder, allowing for precise spatial positioning and orientation using a data processing method executed by a computer to determine a reference plane, enabling reliable three-dimensional position determination and object orientation in space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky and heavy marker device is used to support three-dimensional position determination and object orientation, then position determination reliability is improved, but mechanical torque on bony structures increases and user-friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marker device is segmented into a minimal essential configuration of exactly three markers positioned at non-collinear points, eliminating unnecessary structural components. This segmentation allows the device to maintain position determination reliability through the minimal required marker arrangement while significantly reducing weight and bulk compared to traditional reference stars with multiple markers and extensive support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential functional elements needed for position determination (three markers at non-collinear points) and removes all non-essential structural components. This extraction principle enables the marker device to achieve reliable position determination with minimal weight, as only the absolutely necessary marker configuration is retained.
2Reliability
If a bulky and heavy marker device is used to support three-dimensional position determination and object orientation, then position determination reliability is improved, but mechanical torque on bony structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the marker device into a minimal configuration of three markers at non-collinear points, the invention eliminates excessive structural mass that would generate mechanical torque. The segmented approach maintains position determination reliability through the minimal essential marker arrangement while reducing the harmful mechanical torque on fragile bony structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies the anti-weight principle by minimizing the marker device mass to the absolute minimum required for functionality. By counteracting the tendency toward bulky construction with a lightweight design philosophy, the device maintains position determination reliability while eliminating the harmful mechanical torque that would otherwise be exerted on bony structures.
3Measurement precision
If traditional reference stars with multiple markers are used, then position determination capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the marker device to include exactly three markers at non-collinear points, which is the minimal configuration required for three-dimensional position determination. This segmentation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant markers and support structures while maintaining full position determination capability through the essential minimal marker arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential functional elements (three markers at non-collinear points) required for position determination and removes all non-essential components. This extraction principle achieves measurement precision equivalent to traditional reference stars while dramatically reducing device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a compact marker device is used to reduce weight and size, then mechanical torque on bony structures is reduced, but position determination reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by precisely positioning three markers at non-collinear points to create an optimally configured minimal structure. This local arrangement ensures that each marker contributes maximally to position determination reliability while the overall device remains compact and lightweight, preventing mechanical torque on bony structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the critical parameter of marker configuration from traditional multiple-marker arrangements to a minimal three-marker non-collinear configuration. This parameter change maintains position determination reliability through the mathematical sufficiency of three non-collinear points while dramatically reducing device mass and size to eliminate mechanical torque on bony structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical marker device comprising a) a plurality of markers which are disposed on the marker device such that each marker of the plurality of markers displays mirror symmetry with respect to a mirror plane of symmetry which is common to all markers of the plurality of markers, b) an attaching unit for attaching the marker device to a marker holder, wherein the attaching unit is disposed on the mirror plane of symmetry.