Resilient Tracking Reference Structure for Medical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical tracking marker systems face inaccuracies and complexity due to positional shifts caused by surgical drapes and require cumbersome mechanical elements for connection, making them difficult to mount quickly and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tracking reference structure comprising two connectable parts with resiliently articulated elements that establish a positionally fixed connection, allowing for quick and easy attachment of tracking markers without additional mechanical elements, and enabling use with or without a surgical drape to maintain spatial accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical drape is placed between the two parts of the tracking marker, then sterility is maintained, but positional accuracy deteriorates due to positional shift
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking reference structure is divided into a first part (support structure with markers) and a second part (attachment structure), which can be connected across a surgical drape. The interface between parts uses resiliently articulated elements that accommodate the drape's presence while maintaining positional fixation, allowing sterility to be maintained without sacrificing positional accuracy.
2Strength
If multiple mechanical elements are used to clamp the two parts together, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently articulated element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides clamping force through its resilient nature, creates positional fixation through its articulated geometry, and eliminates the need for separate screws or clamps. This merging of functions reduces the number of mechanical elements while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently articulated element is self-fixing through its own restoring spring force, which automatically positions and secures the connection between the first and second parts without requiring additional fastening elements or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If multiple mechanical elements are used for connection, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated and time-consuming mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently articulated element automatically establishes the positional fixed connection through its own restoring spring force when the first and second parts are brought together. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual assembly of multiple mechanical elements, making mounting quick and easy while maintaining reliable connection.
4Measurement precision
If additional mechanical elements are used for positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently articulated element uses its own elastic properties and restoring spring force to achieve positional fixation without requiring additional weighting elements or complex mechanical positioning mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains positioning precision while minimizing weight.
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 solution provides a lightweight, easy-to-mount tracking reference structure that maintains marker positionality, reducing the need for re-registration and ensuring sterility, while allowing for interchangeable marker types without compromising the surgical environment.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently articulated element (4) on the first part (1) and/or second part (2), which engages with the respective other part (2, 1), and wherein the resiliently articulated element (4) is configured such that its restoring spring force alone is already sufficient to positionally fix the connection
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a tracking reference structure for localising and tracking an object by means of a medical tracking system, said structure comprising: -a first part (1) which forms a support structure for at least one tracking marker (3); and -a second part (2) which is configured to be fixed to said object, wherein a positionally fixed connection between the first part (1) and the second part (2) is established by means of an interface comprising at least one resiliently articulated element (4) on the first part (1) and/or second part (2), which engage(s) with the respective other part (2, 1), and wherein the resiliently articulated element (4) is configured such that its restoring spring force alone is already sufficient to positionally fix the connection. The present invention also relates to a tracking reference system comprising such a tracking reference structure which in turn comprises at least one first part (1), wherein any additional first part(s)(1) support(s)a different type of tracking marker (3) and said different first parts (1) can be interchangeably connected to the second part (2), and wherein the tracking markers (3) of each of said different first parts (1) are in particular placed in the same spatial position when being coupled to the second part (2).