Non-Ferrous Procedure Chair Headrest for EM Navigation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The headrests of typical procedure chairs interfere with the electromagnetic field generated by navigation systems during medical procedures, degrading the accuracy of surgical instrument positioning.
Innovation Solution
The headrest components are made from austenitic stainless steel or other non-ferrous materials that do not disrupt the electromagnetic field, allowing the field generator to be positioned optimally without interference, and include rails for flexible placement of the diagnostic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If typical headrest materials are used, then patient comfort and head support are maintained, but electromagnetic field interference occurs degrading navigation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the headrest from typical ferrous materials to non-ferrous materials (aluminum, titanium, or non-metallic materials). This material substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference while preserving the headrest's support function, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and electromagnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest is constructed using composite or alternative materials such as aluminum, titanium, or non-metallic materials instead of traditional ferrous materials. These materials provide the necessary mechanical support properties while being electromagnetically transparent, thus eliminating interference with navigation systems.
2Measurement precision
If the field generator is positioned close to the patient for optimal navigation, then measurement accuracy improves, but electromagnetic interference from typical headrests increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameter of the headrest to non-ferrous materials, the electromagnetic properties of the headrest are fundamentally altered. This allows the field generator to be positioned close to the patient for optimal navigation accuracy without the headrest generating harmful electromagnetic interference.
3Strength
If traditional headrest materials are used, then structural strength and support are maintained, but electromagnetic compatibility with navigation systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alternative materials (aluminum, titanium, or non-metallic materials) that inherently provide both the required structural strength for head support and electromagnetic compatibility with navigation systems. These materials replace traditional ferrous materials that compromised electromagnetic compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition parameter is changed from ferrous to non-ferrous materials, which simultaneously maintains mechanical strength properties while achieving electromagnetic compatibility with navigation systems used during surgical procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a headrest for a procedure chair includes a headrest backing, a cushion coupled to the headrest backing, a rail coupled to the headrest backing and configured to support a diagnostic device, and an adapter coupled to the headrest backing and configured to couple to a procedure chair. At least one component chosen from the rail and the adapter is formed from an austenitic stainless steel material.