Wireless Tool Localization Using Magnetic Tags in Surgical Robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical procedures face challenges in accurately locating treatment areas and tools due to complex, expensive systems, interference from electromagnetic noise, and distortion by metallic objects, which complicates tissue and tool localization.

Innovation Solution

A wireless localization system using an exciter coil and sensor coil to generate and detect magnetic fields, coupled with wireless tags on tools and tissues, determines their location and orientation using a processor, and integrates with surgical robots to enhance precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional localization systems are used to accurately locate treatment areas, then localization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/wired tracking systems with a wireless electromagnetic field-based localization system. The exciter coil generates magnetic fields that induce signals in passive wireless tags, eliminating the need for powered trackers and complex wired connections, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining localization precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses electromagnetic field signals as a copy or representation of physical positions. Instead of directly tracking physical markers with complex sensors, the system creates an electromagnetic representation of spatial relationships through field interactions between the exciter coil and wireless tags

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic fields are used for wireless localization, then ease of operation is improved, but electromagnetic noise interference worsens measurement reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless operation convenienceVSAvoidsignal reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary passive wireless tag that mediates between the exciter coil and the sensor system. The tag is energized by the exciter's magnetic field and returns a modulated signal, acting as a buffer that isolates the active exciter from electromagnetic noise sources while enabling wireless communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The exciter coil operates in periodic pulses, generating magnetic fields at specific intervals. This periodic operation allows the system to distinguish between the exciter's intentional signals and continuous electromagnetic noise, improving signal reliability through temporal discrimination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If metallic objects are present in the environment, then surgical tool functionality is improved, but magnetic field distortion worsens localization accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical tool functionalityVSAvoidlocalization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acknowledges that metallic surgical tools are necessary for surgery but converts their harmful magnetic field distortion effect into a useful signal. The metallic tools act as additional wireless tags that can be localized, allowing the system to track both the tools and their induced field effects, thereby maintaining localization accuracy despite metal presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Measurement precision

If wired location sensors are added to hand-held tools, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced maneuverability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool location precisionVSAvoidtool maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic field communication. The passive wireless tag embedded in the tool requires no physical connection to external power or data systems, eliminating cables and improving maneuverability while maintaining precise location tracking through field-based detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system effectively tracks tools and tissues in diverse environments, providing accurate localization despite electromagnetic interference and metallic distortions, improving surgical precision and reducing complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a tool including a wireless tag configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field generated by the exciter coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The signal is detected by the sensor coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20260013951A1Systems and methods for wireless localization integration

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ELUCENT MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A wireless localization system including a pad with an exciter coil and a sensor coil, a tool or surgical robot including a wireless tag configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field generated by the exciter coil. The signal is detected by the sensor coil and a processor configured to determine the location of the tool.