Snap-On Surgical Tracker With Offset Reflectors for Infrared Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems are deficient in infrared tracking of physical instruments, particularly in surgical settings, limiting effective surgical planning and navigation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with strategically positioned reflectors and a grip design that allows for precise tracking by an infrared camera, enabling accurate manipulation and attachment of additional instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional systems are used without infrared tracking, then the system is simpler, but surgical precision and real-time instrument tracking are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary infrared tracking system with reflectors attached to surgical instruments. The reflectors serve as mediators between the physical instrument and the infrared camera, enabling precise tracking without requiring complex integrated tracking systems within the instruments themselves. This separates the tracking function into a dedicated subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical tracking methods with an optical infrared tracking system. Instead of using mechanical encoders or position sensors within the instruments, the system uses infrared-reflective markers that can be tracked optically, eliminating complex mechanical tracking mechanisms while achieving superior precision.
2Measurement precision
If reflectors are added to enable infrared tracking, then tracking precision is improved, but the instrument design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking functionality from the instrument functionality. The reflectors are separate components that can be attached to or integrated with the instrument, rather than being an integral part of the instrument's core function. This allows the tracking system to be added without fundamentally redesigning the instrument architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the instrument with a modular structure where the grip region serves multiple functions: providing ergonomic handling, facilitating secure attachment of various instruments, and accommodating the reflector positioning. The standardized grip design with ridges and contours can accommodate different surgical instruments while maintaining consistent tracking capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reflectors are positioned on the instrument, then tracking accuracy is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reflector positioning features into the instrument design from the outset, rather than adding them as separate assembly steps. The grip region contours and ridges are designed to pre-position the reflectors in specific orientations and locations, ensuring consistent tracking accuracy while simplifying the manufacturing process through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the instrument. The grip region has specific contours and ridges for handling, while the top surface has smoothly disposed reflectors for tracking. This local differentiation optimizes each region for its specific function without compromising the overall manufacturability of the instrument.
4Reliability
If real-time tracking is implemented, then surgical navigation is improved, but the system requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary infrared camera system to capture reflector positions, which then feeds into the surgical navigation software. This intermediary approach allows the tracking function to be added without requiring direct integration between all surgical instruments and the navigation system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the infrared camera continuously tracks reflector positions and provides real-time positional information to the surgical navigation system. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment and monitoring of instrument positions, improving navigation reliability without requiring complex predictive or control algorithms.
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
Enhances surgical precision by allowing real-time tracking and control of instruments, improving surgical planning and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
A first reflector and a first off-set reflector are each disposed on the top portion... suitable for being tracked by an infrared camera(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a physical instrument are described herein. The physical instrument includes a main body with a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side and a second side. A first reflector and a first off-set reflector are each disposed on the top portion. The first reflector comprises a center region in alignment with a central axis of the main body, the central axis running from a first terminal end of the main body to a second terminal end of the main body. The first off-set reflector comprises a center region positioned according to a misalignment with the central axis of the main body. The first side includes an indentation and the second side includes a portion of a grip region with one or more grip ridges.