Needle Magnetizing Assembly With Orientation Key for Accurate Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices lack an efficient system for magnetizing needles, which are essential for tracking and accurate placement during medical procedures, particularly when combined with ultrasound guidance systems.
Innovation Solution
A magnetizing system that includes a magnetizer and an orientation key system, where the magnetizer uses a multipole arrangement of permanent magnets to magnetize the needle, and the orientation key system ensures correct positioning of the needle within the magnetizing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetizing system is added to enable needle tracking, then the precision of needle placement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetizer is integrated into the needle holder assembly, combining the magnetizing function with the existing needle holding structure. This eliminates the need for a separate magnetizing device and reduces overall system complexity while achieving precise needle magnetization for tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the needle during insertion and also acts as a magnetizer when activated. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining precision capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If an orientation key system is implemented to ensure correct needle positioning, then the manufacturing precision of magnetization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation key uses an asymmetric design with a specific geometric shape that can only fit into the corresponding keyway in one orientation. This ensures precise and consistent magnetization orientation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation key system is designed to automatically guide the needle into the correct position during insertion. The mechanical key and keyway arrangement self-aligns the needle, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning mechanisms.
3Speed
If permanent magnets are used for magnetization, then the speed of magnetization is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to magnetic material consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential magnetic material needed for the magnetizing function, using permanent magnets strategically positioned to provide sufficient magnetic field strength without excessive material consumption. This achieves rapid magnetization while minimizing magnetic material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets are positioned locally at specific locations within the needle holder where they are most effective for magnetizing the needle. This localized approach ensures rapid magnetization at the critical area while avoiding unnecessary magnetic material throughout the entire device structure.
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 magnetization of needles, allowing for accurate tracking and placement during medical procedures, enhancing the precision and safety of needle insertion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetizer and an orientation key system, where the magnetizer uses a multipole arrangement of permanent magnets to magnetize the needle
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetizing system for use in selectively magnetizing a needle of a medical device is disclosed. Once magnetized, the needle can be tracked by a needle guidance system, which assists the clinician placing the needle by visualizing on a display the position and orientation of the needle after its insertion into a body of a patient. An orientation key system is included with the magnetizing system to ensure the needle is positioned correctly in the magnetizing system. This in turn ensures that the needle is properly magnetized so as to be accurately tracked by the needle guidance system. In one embodiment a first key is included with the magnetizing system and configured to cooperatively mate with a second key included with the needle of the medical device. Various types of keys are disclosed herein.