EM Sensor Tracking Cable Strain Relief for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems face challenges in providing a reliable strain relief mechanism for electric line elements connecting electromagnetic sensors, which are prone to damage from pulling forces during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A strain relief unit comprising a core with a longitudinal axis and a recess that extends circumferentially around it, guiding the electric line element to absorb strain forces, is integrated into the tracking device, ensuring secure connection and protection of the electromagnetic sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric line element is directly connected to the electromagnetic sensor without strain relief, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The electric line element is divided into multiple sections: a first line section, a second line section, and a third line section. The third line section is routed through the recess in the core, creating distinct functional segments that separate the strain relief function from the electrical connection function, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The core with the recess acts as an intermediary element between the electric line element and the electromagnetic sensor. This intermediary structure absorbs and distributes pulling forces, protecting the electromagnetic sensor while maintaining a relatively simple overall device design
2Reliability
If a strain relief mechanism is implemented, then the protection of electromagnetic sensor improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The core with the recess provides a flexible strain relief structure that can be integrated into the tracking device housing. This approach protects the electromagnetic sensor while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified structural design rather than separate complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief function is merged with the existing core structure of the tracking device. The recess is formed directly in the core, combining the support function and strain relief function into a single manufactured component, thereby improving sensor protection without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If the third line section extends within the recess, then the strain relief effectiveness improves, but the volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the core, utilizing the radial dimension rather than only the axial dimension. This allows the third line section to be routed through the recess in a space-efficient manner, providing effective strain relief without significantly increasing the overall volume of the tracking device
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 strain relief unit effectively manages pulling forces, preventing damage to the electromagnetic sensor and maintaining the accuracy of position tracking within the surgical navigation system.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic sensor (14) configured to generate a sensor signal that depends on an external electromagnetic field (16)
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking device for use in a surgical navigation system. The device includes an electromagnetic sensor configured to generate a sensor signal that depends on an external electromagnetic field. The device also includes at least one line element electrically connected to the sensor. The line element includes a first line section, a second line section, and a third line section arranged between the first and second line sections. A strain relief unit includes a core, an outer surface, and at least one recess which extends in the outer surface circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the core. The first line section extends into the strain relief unit on a first side of the strain relief unit, the second line section extends into the strain relief unit on a second side of the strain relief unit opposite the first side, and the third line section extends within the recess.