Resilient Tracking Reference Structure for Medical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical tracking systems face inaccuracies and complexity in tracking objects due to positional shifts caused by surgical drapes and require cumbersome mechanical elements for marker attachment, making them difficult to mount quickly and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tracking reference structure comprising two connectable parts with a resiliently articulated interface that establishes a positionally fixed connection using restoring spring force, allowing for quick and easy attachment of tracking markers without additional mechanical elements, and accommodating surgical drapes without penetration or compromise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple mechanical elements are used to clamp two parts together, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary mechanical elements from the connection system. Instead of using multiple clamps, screws, and fasteners, the invention extracts only the essential resiliently articulated element that provides both connection and positional fixation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single resiliently articulated element. This element simultaneously provides connection between parts, positional fixation through spring force, and accommodation for surgical drapes, eliminating the need for separate mechanical elements and reducing overall device complexity
2Strength
If multiple mechanical elements are used to clamp two parts together, then the connection strength is improved, but the mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently articulated element is pre-configured with restoring spring force that automatically engages when parts are connected. This preliminary preparation of the connection mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming manual assembly of multiple mechanical elements, reducing mounting time while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently articulated element performs self-service by automatically providing positional fixation through its restoring spring force once connected. The element self-adjusts and secures the connection without requiring additional mechanical elements or complex assembly procedures, significantly reducing mounting time
3Reliability
If a surgical drape is placed between two parts, then sterility is improved, but positional accuracy deteriorates due to marker shift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into two separate parts that can be positioned on opposite sides of the surgical drape. The resiliently articulated element allows each part to be independently positioned while maintaining a fixed spatial relationship, enabling sterility to be maintained without compromising positional accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently articulated element acts as an intermediary that accommodates the surgical drape between parts. The element's flexibility allows the drape to be present while maintaining the positionally fixed connection, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between sterility requirements and positional accuracy
4Measurement precision
If a positionally fixed connection is established, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the ability to accommodate surgical drapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently articulated element introduces dynamics to the connection system. The element can dynamically adjust its position to accommodate the surgical drape while maintaining the positionally fixed connection between parts. The restoring spring force ensures tracking accuracy is preserved while the element's flexibility provides adaptability for drape accommodation
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
Enables accurate and efficient tracking of objects with reduced complexity and time, maintaining marker positionality regardless of drapes, and allowing for interchangeable marker types without re-registration, thus enhancing sterility and usability in medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
the resiliently articulated element is configured such that its restoring spring force alone is already sufficient to positionally fix the connection
Implementation Method 2
altering the positional relationship between the element and the part of the tracking reference structure to which the element is attached will generate a restoring spring force which forces the element back to its original position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tracking reference structure for localizing 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).