Tracking and maneuvering using an electromagnetic sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic tracking systems face issues with magnetic saturation when using both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) magnetic fields, leading to reduced effectiveness of electromagnetic sensors, particularly when soft magnets are used, which can render them inoperable for tracking and maneuvering medical devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of electromagnetic sensors wrapped around permanent magnets, which are less susceptible to magnetic saturation, allows for accurate tracking and maneuvering of medical devices using both AC and DC magnetic fields, avoiding the saturation issues associated with soft magnets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If soft magnets are used in electromagnetic sensors for tracking, then the sensors can respond to magnetic fields, but magnetic saturation occurs when both AC and DC magnetic fields are used, rendering the sensors inoperable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidmagnetic saturation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic property parameter of the magnet material from soft magnet to permanent magnet. This parameter change eliminates magnetic saturation issues while maintaining the sensor's ability to respond to AC magnetic fields for tracking and DC magnetic fields for maneuvering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining permanent magnets with electromagnetic sensor coils. This composite design allows the permanent magnet to provide a stable DC field without saturation while the coil detects AC fields, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and saturation resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If permanent magnets are used instead of soft magnets, then magnetic saturation is avoided, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionality under varying magnetic fieldsVSAvoidsensor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the permanent magnet and electromagnetic coil into a single integrated sensor unit. The permanent magnet is positioned within the coil structure, combining the DC field generation and AC field detection functions into one compact component, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced material requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If both AC and DC magnetic fields are used for tracking and maneuvering, then comprehensive control is achieved, but magnetic saturation occurs reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking and maneuvering capabilityVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic material parameter from soft to permanent, enabling the system to simultaneously utilize AC fields for tracking and DC fields for maneuvering without saturation. This parameter change preserves measurement precision while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of tracking and maneuvering medical devices by maintaining sensor functionality across varying magnetic fields, reducing reliance on other imaging modalities and minimizing health risks.

Implementation Method 1

The system can locate or track a device (e.g., a medical device, medical tool, etc.) by using an AC magnetic field to induce a voltage in EM sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The system can maneuver the device by controlling a movement or movements of a magnet (e.g., a soft magnet, hard magnet, etc.) using a DC magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250352274A1Tracking and maneuvering using an electromagnetic sensor

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 NORTHERN DIGITAL

AI summary

A device comprising an insertable structure usable in a surgical theater; one or more permanent magnets positioned at respective locations in the insertable structure, and one or more electromagnetic sensors. Each of the one or more permanent magnets has a magnetization axis. At least a portion of each of the one or more electromagnetic sensors is wrapped around one of the one or more permanent magnets such that a coil axis of the respective electromagnetic sensor substantially aligns with the magnetization axis of the corresponding permanent magnet. The device is configured to be located and have movement initiated according to two different external magnetic fields controlled by a computer system.