Drape-clamping reference array connector

Apparatus for attaching an associated reference array in a fixed positional relationship with respect to an attachment area of an associated patient, wherein the associated patient is to be selectively covered by one or more associated sterile drapes in the attachment area, the apparatus comprising:

• a first connector comprising:
• a first support configured for selective attachment with the associated patient below a first associated drape of the one or more an associated sterile drapes, the first support defining a first connection surface;
• and
• a first clamping element comprising:
• a first set of at least two distinct clamps, the first set of at least two distinct clamps being selectively movable relative to the first connection surface defined by the first support thereby selectively catching the first associated drape of the one or more associated sterile drapes at one or more first clamping positions between the first support and the first set of at least two distinct clamps in such a way that a positional shift in the first clamping element relative to the first support as a result of clamping the first associated drape at the one or more first clamping positions is compensated for such that an overall positional shift in the first clamping element relative to the attachment area of the associated patient is substantially zero;
• and
• a second support operatively coupled with the first clamping element, the second support defining a second connection surface,
• wherein the first set of at least two distinct clamps are carried by the first clamping element at locations on the first clamping element distributed along positions relative to the first connection surface of the first support,
• wherein the first set of at least two distinct clamps are selectively movable towards the first connection surface of the first support to clamp the first clamping element with the first support;
• and
• a second connector comprising:
• a second clamping element configured to directly or indirectly hold the associated reference array or an associated reference array adaptor relative to the second support and above an associated second drape, wherein the second clamping element comprises:
• a second set of at least two distinct clamps, the second set of at least two distinct clamps being selectively movable relative to the second connection surface defined by the second support thereby selectively catching a second associated drape of the one or more associated sterile drapes at one or more second clamping positions between the second support and the second set of at least two distinct clamps in such a way that a positional shift in the second clamping element relative to the second support as a result of clamping the second associated drape at the one or more second clamping positions is compensated for such that an overall positional shift in the second clamping element relative to the second support and to the attachment area of the associated patient is substantially zero,
• wherein the second set of at least two distinct clamps are carried by the second clamping element at locations on the second clamping element distributed along positions relative to the second connection surface of the second support,
• wherein the second set of at least two distinct clamps are selectively movable towards the second connection surface of the second support to clamp the second clamping element with the second support.