Ring Sensor Detecting Instrument Penetration Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the depth of penetration and rotational orientation of invasive instruments in medical and technical applications are complex, time-consuming, and lack precision, particularly in minimally invasive procedures where accurate and automated data processing is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A device with a ring-shaped sensor that detects a length-selective and rotation-selective pattern on the invasive instrument, providing reliable and automatic information on penetration depth and rotational orientation using a binary pattern with a Hamming distance of at least 1, integrated with an evaluation unit within a compact, sterilizable housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and complex image processing are used to determine penetration depth and rotational orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex multi-camera systems by using a single sensor to detect a specifically designed pattern on the instrument shaft. This pattern contains encoded information about both penetration depth and rotational orientation, allowing the system to achieve the same measurement precision with dramatically reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a visual pattern (code structure) applied to the instrument shaft that encodes spatial information. This pattern acts as a visual copy of the instrument's position and orientation data, which can be read optically without complex mechanical or electronic sensing systems.
2Device complexity
If manual reading of markings on the instrument shaft is used to estimate penetration depth, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation with an automated optical sensing system. A sensor optically detects the pattern on the instrument shaft and electronically processes the signal to determine penetration depth and rotational orientation, eliminating human error while keeping the physical detection system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pattern with distinct visual characteristics (such as alternating light and dark areas or colored markings) on the instrument shaft. These visual variations are detected by the sensor to encode information about penetration depth and rotation, making the measurement both automated and precise.
3Extent of automation
If a ring-shaped sensor with pattern detection is used to automatically detect penetration depth and rotational orientation, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases moderately
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the pattern's position to determine penetration depth, detects the pattern's orientation to determine rotational orientation, and provides automated measurement without manual intervention. This multi-functionality justifies the moderate increase in device complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each measurement.
4Measurement precision
If complex data processing from multiple cameras is performed to determine spatial coordinates, then measurement precision is improved, but handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement information is pre-encoded into the visual pattern on the instrument shaft before the measurement process begins. The pattern's structure is designed so that the sensor can directly read the encoded information without performing complex calculations, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining precision.
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 immediate, accurate, and reliable detection of penetration depth and rotational orientation, reducing handling time and risk of instrument or body damage, while being suitable for medical use with easy integration and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
The ring-shaped sensor (2) detects, particularly on an optical basis, the length-selective and rotation-selective pattern on the invasive instrument
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for automatically detecting the penetration depth (101) of an invasive instrument (100) into an opening and the rotational orientation (102) of an invasive instrument (100) in an opening of a body by means of a length-selective and rotation-selective pattern (104) applied to the surface (103) of the instrument (100), wherein the device (1) has a sensor (2) which is designed in a ring shape to enclose the instrument (100). According to the invention, the sensor (2) is designed to detect the length-selective and rotation-selective pattern (104) and is designed and provided for temporary arrangement in the area of the opening for the insertion of the invasive instrument (100). The device (1) according to the invention has an evaluation unit (3) for evaluating the penetration depth (101) and the rotational orientation (102) of an invasive instrument (100) based on the detected selective pattern (104).The invention further relates to a system comprising a device according to the invention and one or more invasive instruments (100) with a length-selective and rotation-selective pattern (104) applied to the surface (103) of the instruments (100).