RFID tags integrated into manual devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical hand instrument (1) having an instrument body with at least one effector part (2), at least one grip part (3) and an RFID tag (4) preferably accommodated in the instrument body in the form of a glass / ceramic tag according to the subsurface principle, with a notch (5) or opening (6) formed in an area of ​​the instrument body where substantially no forces are applied during the manipulation of the hand-held instrument (1) in surgery, and a separate subsurface tag holder (7) accommodated in the notch (5) or opening (6), which fills the notch (5) or opening (6) so as to fit the shape of the hand instrument (1). The invention also relates to a system comprising the medical hand instrument (1) and a reader (15) connectable to the RFID tag (4) for signal transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical handheld instrument comprising at least one gripping part, at least one effector part, and an instrument body having an RFID tag, the RFID tag being preferably inserted into the instrument body as a glass / ceramic tag according to the subsurface principle.

Background Art

[0002] Medical (marking) devices using RFID tags are already known. For example, US7898,420 B2 discloses a transponder device and / or a housing for marking surgical instruments such as metal surgical instruments. The transponder device is provided with a non-elastic, preferably non-metallic, rigid transponder housing that can be attached to a part of the surgical instrument. The housing has a transponder receiving cavity that is at least 1 millimeter, preferably 2 millimeters, away from any part of the surgical instrument when the housing is attached to the surgical instrument. The housing may be detachably or permanently attached to the surgical instrument. A transponder is installed and used in the transponder receiving cavity.

[0003] EP3 146 479 A1 describes an RFID tag assembly having a passive RFID tag on a metal and an attachment element. The passive RFID tag attached to the metal is arranged so that an RF signal can be transmitted. The attachment element is made of a conductive material and includes a base part and at least one wall part extending outward with respect to the first surface of the base part. The at least one wall part is configured to at least partially define a notch to which the RFID tag is connected up to the at least one wall part. A surgical instrument with the RFID tag assembly attached is also provided.

[0004] Although these RFID tags are relatively small components, retrofitted RFID tag assemblies / devices using conventional technology create new surfaces of contamination and can hinder the handling of surgical or medical instruments. Furthermore, the attachment of RFID tags can create gaps and cracks (nests for viruses and bacteria), where bacteria can adhere, which is obviously a significant disadvantage in medical settings. In addition, retrofitted RFID tags can restrict the handling of ergonomically shaped surgical instruments, and in the worst case, they can create corners or edges that can be damaged, punctured, or torn by contact with a surgeon's gloves.

[0005] In principle, it is possible to place RFID tags or corresponding (marking) devices on corresponding medical devices in a location where they are expected to have the least adverse impact on the handling of the device. However, in this case, the placement options are severely limited depending on the type of device, and it may be necessary to accept a reduction in, for example, data transmission capacity.

[0006] Another drawback of the prior art is that passive RFID tags may have short transmission distances, requiring them to be placed close to the reader. Therefore, in the prior art, the only way to minimize the distance between the RFID chip and the reader is often to retrofit the RFID tag to the outer surface of the surgical instrument. For the reasons mentioned above, care must be taken to ensure that the surface prepared for this purpose is located on an instrument area that has minimal impact on the instrument's handling while still allowing for sufficient reading quality.

[0007] In this regard, there is growing interest in counting the processing cycles associated with a product, recording and documenting this information, and using it to process relevant insights. Such processing cycles include manual pre-cleaning (using brushes), ultrasonic cleaning if necessary, cleaning in a washing machine (WS), lubrication if necessary, and sterilization. The following information regarding medical products is important due to the increasingly critical issues of tracking, tracing, lifecycle management, and providing evidence in the event of a claim:

[0008] General conditions; service life / end of service; maintenance intervals; track record and suitability of follow-up surgery (as stated in the purpose statement); reduced product maintenance and potential product failure; temperature overshoot / undershoot and potential product failure

[0009] To avoid the disadvantages mentioned at the beginning, it has been impossible to provide services tailored to customer / user needs or individually customized business models. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to instantly check how often products have been (correctly) reprocessed, whether there are any defects in the process, and whether maintenance / repair is required. Currently, products must adhere to predetermined (regular) maintenance intervals, but this may no longer be necessary. Thus, in the age of digitalization, it is desirable to provide customers and equipment with individually tailored services and, in some cases, variously tailored services, as well as individually tailored business models.

[0010] For example, ring instruments, particularly scissors, forceps, and similar handheld instruments, present a problem in that it is time-consuming to retrofit RFID tags to the product. In the prior art, the RFID chip / tag must be encapsulated or pressed into the handpiece / handheld instrument, or attached by ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, UHF tags, which are often described in the prior art, make reading / reading more difficult because the reading distance may cause tags on adjacent products to be detected, which does not serve the basic idea of ​​individual and reliable tracking of a single instrument. A further problem is that when only the contents of a sieve / sieve basket should be detected, products on adjacent sieves / sieves baskets may also be detected.

[0011] However, in short, integrated assembly initially means material weakening of the handheld instrument, while additional assembly means a change in the external shape of the handheld instrument. Material weakening can be mitigated basically by adding additional material reinforcement to the weakened area, by having the integrated insert itself absorb the material weakening (bridging), or by selecting the location of the material weakening so that it does not affect the provided instrument insert. This is achieved by having the selected location already have a large material thickness and is less affected by the integration of the tag. [Overview of the project]

[0012] However, this application has made it clear that not all handheld medical devices are suitable for retrofitting with RFID tags according to current practice. Nevertheless, in principle, the processing cycle of all products should be counted in combination with individual storage, and this information should be stored on the product itself, in particular, it should be possible to examine whether all individual process steps were (correctly) followed and performed. [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a medical device or medical / surgical instrument, particularly a ring instrument, equipped with an RFID tag that ensures good and safe handling with respect to both the characteristics of the instrument and the data transmission characteristics of the RFID tag. A further object of the present invention is preferably to ensure good cleaning and / or sterilization of the device / medical instrument equipped therewith according to the present invention. A further object of the present invention is even more preferably to ensure improved receptivity of one or more inserted / attached RFID tags. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The above problems are solved by a medical device or medical / surgical instrument having the features of claim 1.

[0015] The core of the present invention is that a notch or opening is formed in a region of the instrument body where substantially no force is applied during the engagement action of the handheld instrument (e.g., the closing action of forceps / the cutting action of scissors), and a separate subsurface tag holder (material bridge) is inserted into the notch or opening to conform to the shape of the handheld instrument and fill the notch or opening. Thus, the location of the material weakening is selected so as not to be incorporated into the force flow of the engagement action force.

[0016] In other words, it is preferable that the medical handheld instrument is a ring instrument such as (surgical) scissors or forceps. Accordingly, a ring instrument is claimed, which comprises an instrument body, wherein the instrument body has at least one gripping portion, at least one effector portion, and an RFID tag which is inserted into the instrument body (integrated assembly) as a glass / ceramic tag, preferably according to the subsurface principle, wherein a notch or opening (recess or material interruption) is formed in a region of the instrument body where substantially no force is applied during the engagement operation of the handheld instrument, and a separate subsurface tag holder (material bridge) is inserted into the notch or opening to fit the shape of the handheld instrument. Such geometric modifications and matching of surrounding components improve the receivability of the RFID tag, in particular, by increasing the distance to the reader / writer. With regard to medical handheld instruments, especially ring instruments, it is possible to absorb force during operation and realize the principle of a slot antenna.

[0017] An advantage here is that the receivability and reliability of the RFID tag / chip, particularly the distance to the reader / writer, can be greatly affected not only by the geometric installation conditions but also by surrounding components. It is preferable that the RFID tag is always installed below the surface (i.e., recessed relative to the device surface) so that it is positioned below the opening and does not protrude beyond the opening.

[0018] RFID tags can also be understood as NFC tags, which are a subform of RFID technology. Therefore, according to the present invention, NFC tags can also be used instead of RFID tags. It is even more preferable that the RFID tag is an RFID transponder that stores information related to a particular object (in this case, a medical device). This so-called "identifier" can be individualized according to the requirements of a particular process. Preferably, the RFID tag includes the following:

[0019] [1] At least one microchip, preferably several millimeters in diameter [2]Preferably, at least one antenna in the form of a coil [3]Preferably, at least one carrier or housing that is waterproof and / or airtight and preferably protects the transponder electronics from the environment [4]In the case of an active RFID tag, furthermore, at least one energy source, preferably a battery / accumulator or a capacitor

[0020] In the case of a passive transponder, the energy is supplied externally via the antenna. The RFID tag of the present invention is preferably a passive RFID tag. The RFID tag preferably also has a (rod-shaped) ferrite core around which a coil is wound.

[0021] The RFID tag is provided or characterized by being adapted to store at least one of the following information.

[0022] [1]Recording information on a product (medical handheld device / ring device) [2]Transparency during service provision (the RFID tag conveys information) [3]Determination of usage [4]New business model (payment for each use, etc.) [5]Display of service life (MDR requirements, standard requirements) [6]Improving the receptivity of the RFID tag of a product [7]To maintain what the operator is used to, there are few ergonomic modifications to the product

[0023] In other words, the RFID tag / chip used is preferably a glass tag that can be procured in various sizes. Other materials can also be considered for surrounding the assembly. By optimizing the surrounding components, the read / write distance is greatly affected and the distance can be extended.

[0024] The shape surrounding / wrapping the RFID tag / RFID pill / glass tag may be made of any material. However, there must be a gap parallel to the glass tag on the outer surface of the product. The coil is placed directly in the groove (subsurface). This opening may be free or made of a signal-permeable material. Its size has different lengths and widths to optimize the read / write distance.

[0025] It is advantageous if at least one effector part has two branch parts, at least one gripping part has two handles tapered in an annular shape, and the notch or opening is arranged on the surface of at least one annularly tapered handle opposite to the other annularly tapered handle of the handheld instrument. When closing the medical ring instrument, a greater force is applied. When opening the ring instrument, the force applied to the annularly tapered handle of the medical handheld instrument is much smaller. This provides an installation method optimized for achieving reliability and signal amplification / reception. Since the subsurface tag holder is arranged outside the annularly tapered handle in the direction away from the second handle, the subsurface tag holder experiences a small force when opened due to its arrangement. The shape of the subsurface tag holder described below prevents the subsurface tag holder from being pushed out even when a large force is applied. By optimizing the shape of the subsurface tag holder (plastic part), the force can be better absorbed and the detachment of the plastic carrier / subsurface tag holder can be prevented.

[0026] The subsurface tag holder is provided so that it bends / deforms due to the flow of the force but does not come off when a large force is applied. Here, the selection of the material, preferably plastic, is highly relevant.

[0027] In other words, the medical device has a subsurface tag holder for at least one RFID tag that is integrated with or inserted into a medical handheld instrument. That is, the subsurface tag holder according to the present invention does not affect the normal (external) shape of the medical handheld instrument by retrofitting the RFID tag, and the subsurface tag holder for the RFID tag is integrated with or positioned beneath the outer surface of the medical handheld instrument.

[0028] To put it another way, the subsurface tag holder is integrated / installed / configured / formed (hereinafter referred to as "integrated") into the housing / shape / structure / body (hereinafter referred to as "body") of the medical handheld instrument, or is integrated / inserted into the body of the medical handheld instrument. The subsurface tag holder is preferably integrated into the body of the medical handheld instrument (e.g., in a notch or opening / material interruption) as a separate / distinct component (tag carrier) in the form of a bridge or strip. In this case, since the separate subsurface tag holder is already equipped with a tag and is mounted / inserted into a cavity (notch or opening) of the medical handheld instrument, the shape of the (signal-passing) opening formed on the surface of the instrument body may be essentially universal.

[0029] Preferably, the subsurface tag holder is provided to accept the RFID tag in a fixed position such that the RFID tag is positioned recessed toward the interior of the subsurface tag holder relative to the surface of at least one annularly tapered handle. In this medical handheld device, it is preferable that at least one RFID tag is inserted into the subsurface tag holder, and it is even more preferable that the RFID tag has a cylindrical shape with rounded ends. It is even more preferable that the shape of the RFID tag is tablet-like.

[0030] It is advantageous that a subsurface tag holder is provided and configured such that the RFID tag is exposed to the instrument environment inside at least one handle. It is even more preferable that the subsurface tag holder has the shape of an elongated slot or groove adapted to "lay down" the preferably cylindrical / tablet-shaped RFID tag, i.e., to receive it like a (flat) battery compartment.

[0031] RFID tags preferably have an outer surface / housing made of a material that is transparent to radio frequencies, and more preferably waterproof and / or airtight. In other words, the housing of the RFID tag is made of a radio frequency / signal-transparent material such as glass, ceramic, plastic, thermoplastic, duroplast, plastics in general, and / or silicon, particularly preferably a non-metallic material, which encases a ferrite core together with a coil and chip wound around it.

[0032] In principle, the shape and material of the medical handheld device and RFID tag, or their body, as well as the orientation of the subsurface tag holder relative to the corresponding device surface, are freely selectable. However, it is preferable that the receiving pocket for receiving the RFID tag of the subsurface tag holder is formed parallel to the RFID tag, particularly the RFID tag's coil, so that the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag is parallel to the outer surface of the body of the medical handheld device (i.e., "lying down"). The receiving pocket may optionally be left open / free from the outside, or it may be filled / closed with a signal-permeable material.

[0033] In other words, the receiving pocket may or may not be provided with a cover made of a signal-permeable material. Finally, when the RFID tag is inserted into the receiving pocket, the RFID tag itself may already have a shape like a sealed cap so that the receiving pocket or its opening is sealed (watertight / airtight) from the outside by the RFID tag itself.

[0034] When a signal-transparent core and / or socket is selected as the subsurface tag holder for an RFID tag / glass tag (e.g., thermoplastic, duroplast, plastics in general, silicon, etc.), the read / write distance is optimized by a metal screen / reflector that positions the RFID tag at a distance from a reader / read / write device (hereinafter simply referred to as the reader) that at least partially surrounds the carrier and has a geometrically defined opening in the area of ​​the receiving pocket of the separate subsurface tag holder. In other words, in one embodiment, the subsurface tag holder may be configured as a signal-transparent core (e.g., plastic) placed on a medical handheld device. Thus, the receiving pocket of the subsurface tag holder is provided and adapted to receive at least one RFID tag.

[0035] It is preferable that the subsurface tag holder is configured to shape-fit with at least one handle via a latch-behind hemispherical portion (latch posterior hemispherical portion) or projection on its short face, and / or via anchor points on the upper surface near each of the short faces.

[0036] The short side of the subsurface tag holder corresponds to the contact surface between the subsurface tag holder and the (annular) handle of the medical handheld instrument when the subsurface tag holder is inserted into the handle.

[0037] The hemispherical portion or projection of the latch is preferably a hemispherical projection that protrudes longitudinally on the short surface of the subsurface tag holder, i.e., toward the (annular) handle of the medical handheld instrument, when the subsurface tag holder is inserted into the handle of the medical handheld instrument.

[0038] In other words, the posterior spherical portion of the latch of the subsurface tag holder is preferably provided to slide / engage with a corresponding projection / recess when the subsurface tag holder is inserted into the handle of a medical ring instrument / handheld instrument. The projection is formed to receive the posterior spherical portion of the latch of the subsurface tag holder.

[0039] Each of the short faces of the subsurface tag holder has a protruding latch posterior spherical portion or projection, and the short faces are configured to form a conical angle α with respect to each other for inserting and / or pushing the subsurface tag holder into a notch in an inward-to-outward direction of at least one handle, and it is advantageous that each protruding latch posterior spherical portion engages with a milled recess / projection of at least one handle provided and adapted for this purpose.

[0040] The anchor point is an upward-projecting projection perpendicular to the RFID tag inserted into the subsurface tag holder, and is formed near the aforementioned short face to be received by an annular receiving portion of the medical handheld instrument handle. The annular receiving portion is provided on the short face of the opening of the medical handheld instrument handle. The annular receiving portion is formed vertically at approximately half the height or center of the contact surface or short face of the medical handheld instrument handle. The annular receiving portion does not extend across the entire height of the contact surface or short face of the medical handheld instrument handle, but has a continuous hole parallel to the contact surface, which is provided to receive the anchor point of the subsurface tag holder.

[0041] The upper surface of the subsurface tag holder (the surface into which an RFID tag can be inserted) has protruding anchor points formed to insert and / or push the subsurface tag holder into an opening from the underside of at least one handle upward, and it is advantageous that each protruding anchor point can be pushed and / or inserted into an annular receiving portion / milled recess provided and adapted to at least one handle.

[0042] Preferably, a mountable cover is provided for at least one handle-inserted subsurface tag holder, which is preferably attached to the subsurface tag holder by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. Since the cover is attached to the subsurface tag holder in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the subsurface tag holder, the subsurface tag holder and cover substantially continue the original shape of the annularly tapered handle.

[0043] It is advantageous that the subsurface tag holder is a plastic injection-molded part formed to fit inside, preferably outside, the annular shape of at least one handle.

[0044] In other words, the opening or notch is intended to be filled by the subsurface tag holder or a combination of the subsurface tag holder and cover so that the annular, tapered shape of the handle is substantially continuous with the subsurface tag holder or the subsurface tag holder with a cover.

[0045] Subsurface tag holders with anchor points are preferably configured to accommodate larger RFID tags compared to subsurface tag holders with a latch posterior spherical portion. Using larger RFID tags has the advantage of achieving maximum read / write distance without significantly altering the external shape of medical handheld / ring devices.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a medical handheld device, particularly a ring device, according to one of the above claims, and a reader device having an instrument holder provided and adapted to hold or temporarily fix the medical handheld device in a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the reader device, or a reader device configured as an instrument holder, wherein signal transmission between the RFID tag and the reader device is possible, and preferably a plurality of RFID tags can be read simultaneously and reliably.

[0047] In other words, the RFID tag's position is optimized for inserting the device vertically into the corresponding holder, ensuring its proximity to the reading antenna, and enabling simultaneous and reliable reading of a large number of (handheld) devices (100% hit rate). For example, 50 devices in a sieve can be read simultaneously. The present invention is not limited to 50 devices.

[0048] This solution provides optimal protection for RFID tags from mechanical impacts. Combined with the RFID tags' extremely high chemical and heat resistance, this solution is suitable for a very large number of processing cycles (preferably 500 or more). Furthermore, it allows for quick and secure reading of individual devices using a smartphone (for service purposes, etc.).

[0049] In other words, the above configuration has the advantage of counting the processing cycles of all products in combination with individual storage, and this information can be stored within the product itself. In particular, it allows verification of whether all individual processing steps have been followed and implemented. The number of processing cycles is an indicator proportional to the following:

[0050] (1) General condition (2) Useful life / end of service (3) Maintenance interval (4) Track record and suitability for follow-up surgery (as stated in the purpose statement) (5) Reduced product maintenance and potential product damage (6) Temperature overshoot / undershoot and potential product damage

[0051] Furthermore, the position of the RFID chip is related to a solution that works in conjunction with a smart tray, so that multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously. Thus, the present invention includes enhancing the receptivity of RFID tags inserted into medical handheld instruments. Furthermore, the present invention includes the idea of ​​attaching RFID tags to medical ring instruments with high force absorption capacity to avoid accidental detachment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0052] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures, with reference to preferred embodiments.

[0053] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an RFID tag usable according to the present invention, as per the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a ring device according to the present invention as an embodiment of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the handle of the ring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle of a ring device into which the subsurface tag holder according to the first embodiment is inserted. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a subsurface tag holder and RFID tag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the handle, subsurface tag holder, and RFID tag of the ring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a ring device according to the present invention according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the handle of a ring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a subsurface tag holder and RFID tag according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the application of force to the subsurface tag holder and RFID tag according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the application of force to the subsurface tag holder 7 of the ring device 1 according to the present invention, according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of force being applied to a subsurface tag holder. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] The following describes an example configuration of this disclosure based on the attached drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 shows an RFID tag 4 that can be used according to the present invention. RFID tags 4 of various sizes, particularly so-called glass RFID tags, are shown next to commercially available matches. Thus, the RFID tag 4 has a cylindrical shape with rounded ends resembling the shape of a stick or pill. Since such an RFID tag 4 is essentially prior art, no further explanation is needed. Such an RFID tag 4 has a coil wound around a rod-shaped ferrite core and in contact with an RFID chip. The RFID chip is usually located at one axial end of the ferrite core. This structure, consisting of the ferrite core, the coil 4 that partially surrounds the ferrite core, and the RFID chip located at the axial end, is encased in a radio wave transparent material, such as glass, which forms the housing of the RFID tag 4. Preferably, the assembly is sealed inside.

[0056] (First Embodiment) Figure 2 shows a ring instrument 1 according to the present invention as a first embodiment. The medical handheld instrument, in particular the ring instrument 1, has an instrument body comprising at least one effector part 2 and at least one gripping / operating part 3. At least one gripping part 3 is provided with a notch 5.

[0057] The notch 5 is located in a region of the gripping / ring portion 3 where no force is inherently applied during the engagement operation of the handheld / ring device 1. In this embodiment, a separate bridge-shaped subsurface tag holder 7 having an RFID tag 4 is inserted into the notch 5 according to the subsurface principle. The subsurface tag holder 7 fills the notch 5 to conform to the shape of the handheld / ring device 1 (so that a smooth / gapless handle surface is formed).

[0058] At least one effector section 2 has two effector branch sections 8, and at least one gripping section 3 has two annularly tapered handles 9. In this respect, the branch sections and handles form a conventional pair of scissors. The notch 5 is located on the side of at least one annularly tapered handle 9 of the handheld / ring instrument 1, opposite to the other annularly tapered handle 9.

[0059] Figure 3 shows the (annular) handle 9 of the handheld / ring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 3, one of the handles 9 of the handheld / ring instrument 1 in Figure 2 is shown in a magnified view. The notch 5 is formed in the circumferential direction of the annularly tapered handle 9. Furthermore, the notch 5 is configured as a continuous slit from the inside to the outside of the annularly tapered handle 9. The notch 5 is located in the center in the thickness direction and preferably extends circumferentially over less than one-quarter and more than one-eighth of the entire annularly tapered handle 9.

[0060] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle 9 of the handheld device / ring device 1 with the sub-surface tag holder 7 of the first embodiment inserted. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the sub-surface tag holder 7 and RFID tag 4 of the first embodiment, and Figure 6 is a diagram showing the handle 9, sub-surface tag holder 7 and RFID tag 4 of the handheld device / ring device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0061] The subsurface tag holder 7 is provided to hold the RFID tag 4 in a fixed position. The RFID tag 4 is positioned recessed into the subsurface tag holder 7 relative to the surface of at least one annularly tapered handle 9. The subsurface tag holder 7 is configured such that the RFID tag 4 is exposed to the equipment environment inside at least one handle 9, as shown in both Figures 5 and 6.

[0062] Figure 4 shows that the subsurface tag holder 7 has a shape that fits an annularly tapered handle 9. In particular, the annular handle 9 has a notch 5 on its annular portion facing away from the instrument, and since the notch 5 is not continuous in the thickness direction of the handle, a residual ring web remains, which is filled in like a tile by the holder 7. Furthermore, the subsurface tag holder 7 is configured to be fixed (irremovably) to at least one handle 9 via a latch posterior spherical portion / projection 11 that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the tile, and for this purpose, a corresponding recess / hole is provided on each end face of the handle ring resulting from the notch. Alternatively, the subsurface tag holder 7 may be inserted in a removable manner.

[0063] Furthermore, it is preferable that each of the short faces (ends) 17 of the holder 7 corresponding to the contact surface between the subsurface tag holder 7 and the handle 9 has a protruding latch posterior spherical portion 11. In addition, the short faces 17 are configured at an angle (conical angle / acute angle) α with respect to each other in order to insert and / or push / push the subsurface tag holder 7 into the notch / interruption 5 from the inside outward of at least one handle 9. In this way, each protruding latch posterior spherical portion 11 engages with a correspondingly provided and adapted milled recess / hollow / hole of at least one handle 9.

[0064] Thanks to the conical angle / acute angle α between the two short faces 17 and the engagement of the latch posterior spherical portion 11, the subsurface tag holder 7 is not pushed out of the handle 9 by the force applied by hand when opening the handheld device / ring device 1.

[0065] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 4, the subsurface tag holder 7 is inserted snugly into the notch / longitudinal notch 5, completely filling the notch 5. Accordingly, the notch 5 of the annularly tapered handle 9 is also configured to have a conical angle α so that the inserted subsurface tag holder 7 is not pushed out.

[0066] According to the first embodiment, the original shape of the annular, tapered handle 9 remains unchanged.

[0067] (Second embodiment) Figure 7 shows a handheld instrument / ring instrument 1 according to the present invention according to a second embodiment. The medical handheld instrument, in particular the ring instrument 1, has an instrument body comprising at least one effector portion 2 and at least one gripping portion 3. At least one gripping portion 3 is provided with an opening, in this example in the form of a continuous recess 6. In particular, the annular handle 9 has a (complete) interrupted portion 6 on its annular portion facing away from the instrument, and this interrupted portion is filled by a holder 7 like a bridge.

[0068] Therefore, the opening 6 is located in a region of the gripping part 3 where essentially no force is applied during the engagement operation of the handheld / ring device 1. A separate subsurface tag holder 7 with an RFID tag 4 is inserted into the opening 6 according to the subsurface principle. The subsurface tag holder 7 fills the opening 6 in a bridge-like manner and conforms to the shape of the handheld / ring device 1.

[0069] At least one effector section 2 has two branched sections 8, and at least one gripping section 3 has two annularly tapered handles 9. In this way, the instrument preferably forms a conventional pair of scissors (or forceps). The opening 6 is located on the side of at least one annularly tapered handle 9 of the handheld instrument / ring instrument 1 that is opposite to the other annularly tapered handle 9.

[0070] Figure 8 shows the handle 9 of the handheld device / ring device 1 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 8, one of the handles 9 of the handheld device / ring device 1 in Figure 7 is shown in a magnified view together with the inserted subsurface tag holder 7.

[0071] The opening 6 is formed in the circumferential direction of the annularly tapered handle 9, extending across its entire thickness. Preferably, the opening 6 extends circumferentially over one-quarter of the entire annularly tapered handle 9.

[0072] In Figure 8, the opening 6 is filled like a bridge by the subsurface tag holder 7 and cover 14 in Figure 9. According to Figure 9, the subsurface tag holder 7 is provided to receive the RFID tag 4 in a fixed position therein. The RFID tag 4 is positioned recessed into the subsurface tag holder 7 relative to the surface of at least one annularly tapered handle 9. The subsurface tag holder 7 is configured such that the RFID tag 4 is exposed to the instrument environment inside at least one handle 9, as shown in both Figures 9 and 10.

[0073] Figure 9 shows a subsurface tag holder 7 and an RFID tag 4 according to a second embodiment. The subsurface tag holder 7 is configured to be detachably attached to at least one handle 9 via anchor points 12 on the upper surface near each of the short faces 17. The upper surface of the subsurface tag holder 7 has protruding anchor points 12 which are configured to insert and / or push the subsurface tag holder 7 into the opening 6 from the bottom (in the thickness height direction) to the top (perpendicular to the circumferential direction) of at least one handle 9, and each of the protruding anchor points 12 is pushed / inserted / or inserted into a milled recess / receiving portion of at least one handle 9 which is provided and adapted for this purpose.

[0074] The attachable cover 14 is provided for a subsurface tag holder 7 inserted into at least one handle 9 and is preferably connectable to the subsurface tag holder 7 by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. The cover 14 conforms to the shape of an annular handle 9 and the subsurface tag holder 7 is inserted into the handle 9. The cover 14 protects the RFID tag 4 inserted into the subsurface tag holder 7 and fills the opening remaining after the insertion of the subsurface tag holder 7.

[0075] In other words, the anchor point 12 is a projection that protrudes perpendicularly upward from the RFID tag 4 inserted into the subsurface tag holder 7, and is configured to be received by the annular receiving portion of the handle 9 of the medical handheld instrument 1 in the vicinity of the short face 17 described above. Each of the anchor points 12 has two projections, with the lower projection having a larger diameter than the upper projection. The lower projection is received by the annular receiving portion, and the upper projection protrudes from the annular receiving portion. The upper projection is provided to be inserted into the cover 14.

[0076] Two annular receiving portions are provided on the handle 9 of the medical handheld instrument 1 against the short face 17 of the opening 6. The annular receiving portions are formed vertically at approximately half the height or center of the contact surface or short face 17 of the handle 9 of the medical handheld instrument 1. The annular receiving portions do not extend over the entire height but extend over the entire width of the contact surface or short face 17 of the handle 9 of the medical handheld instrument 1, and each has a continuous hole in a direction parallel to the contact surface or short face, and these holes are provided to receive the anchor point 12 of the subsurface tag holder 7, at least the lower projection.

[0077] Figure 10 shows the insertion of the subsurface tag holder 7 according to a second embodiment. The upper surface of the subsurface tag holder 7 (the surface into which the RFID tag 4 can be inserted) has a protruding anchor point 12, which is configured to insert and / or push the subsurface tag holder 7 into the opening 6 from the underside of at least one handle 9 toward the upper surface, and the protruding anchor point 12 is pushed and / or inserted into a correspondingly provided and fitted annular receiving portion / milled recess of at least one handle 9.

[0078] The attachable cover 14 is provided for a subsurface tag holder 7 inserted into at least one handle 9, and is preferably connected to the subsurface tag holder by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. The cover 14 is attached to the subsurface tag holder 7 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the subsurface tag holder, so that the subsurface tag holder 7 and the cover 14 can substantially maintain the original shape of the annularly tapered handle 9.

[0079] Figure 11 shows the application of force to the subsurface tag holder 7 of the ring device 1 according to the present invention according to the first and second embodiments. According to Figure 11, the subsurface tag holder 7 according to the first embodiment is provided on the first handle 9 (the upper handle in Figure 11), and the subsurface tag holder 7 according to the second embodiment is provided on the second handle 9 (the lower handle in Figure 11). This combination of the two subsurface tag holders 7 is merely illustrative. In the handheld device 1, the subsurface tag holder 7 according to the first embodiment may be provided on only one of the handles 9, or one subsurface tag holder 7 according to the first embodiment may be provided on each of the handles 9. In addition, in the handheld device 1, the subsurface tag holder 7 according to the second embodiment may be provided on only one of the handles 9, or one subsurface tag holder 7 according to the second embodiment may be provided on each of the handles 9.

[0080] As shown by the arrows in Figure 11, a force acts on the subsurface tag holder 7 in an outward direction away from the other handle 9 only when the handheld device / ring device 1 is opened. When the handheld device / ring device 1 is closed, no force acts on the subsurface tag holder 7, and the force acts only on the surface of the handle 9 facing the other handle 9.

[0081] Furthermore, since the subsurface tag holder 7 in the first embodiment is securely held to the annular handle 9 of the handheld device 1 by a conical opening and a hemispherical latch 11, and the subsurface tag holder 7 in the second embodiment is securely held by an anchor point 12, the subsurface tag holder 7 (preferably an injection-molded part made of glass or ceramic) having the RFID tag 4 will not be pushed out even if a large force is applied by the user / operator.

[0082] Figure 10 illustrates the forces acting on the subsurface tag holder 7 of the second embodiment when there is no anchor point 12. According to the second embodiment, when a force is applied to the subsurface tag holder 7, if the force is large, it tends to be pushed out from the handle 9. The optimized shape of the subsurface tag holder 7 described above allows for much better absorption of the force and prevents the subsurface tag holder 7 from coming loose.

[0083] If a large force is applied to the subsurface tag holder 7, the force flow shown by the arrows in the diagram may cause the subsurface tag holder 7 to bend, but it will not detach from the anchor point 12. While this can happen if a large force is applied, the choice of material, such as plastic, is important.

[0084] Figure 12 shows the force flow when there is no favorable anchor point 12. This does not represent a solution in the sense of the present invention. When a large force is applied, the force flow (following the arrows in the figure) causes the subsurface tag holder 7 to bend and detach from the anchor point 12, and in some cases the anchor point 12 may be sheared, causing the subsurface tag holder 7 to detach from the handle 9. In this case, the RFID tag 4 is also likely to be damaged.

[0085] Figure 13 shows an exemplary system comprising a medical handheld instrument 1 and a reader 15 that is signal-coupled to an RFID tag 4 and has an instrument holder 16 or is configured as an instrument holder 16. The instrument holder 16 is provided to hold or temporarily fix the medical handheld instrument 1 in a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the reader 15, and is capable of signal transmission between the RFID tag 4 and the reader 15, preferably enabling simultaneous and reliable reading of multiple RFID tags 4.

[0086] Specifically, the system is described, comprising a medical handheld instrument 1 having an instrument body configured as a gripping part 3 and an effector part 2, at least one instrument holder 16, and a reading device 15. The medical handheld instrument 1, at least one instrument holder 16, and the reading device 15 are arranged / mounted in a sieve / smart tray 18. The reading device 15 is a control module and is connected / in contact with at least one antenna 19.

[0087] The RFID tag 4 can be read by positioning it as close as possible to the reader 15 when it is placed on the medical handheld instrument 1. The reader 15 is connected to at least one antenna 19, which is integrated into the instrument holder 16. Thus, the reader 15 according to this preferred embodiment has a frame made of a sieve cage 18, to which at least one instrument holder 16 is preferably secured in the form of a clamp or clip, to which the medical handheld instrument 1 or the instrument body is secured / temporarily secured. Furthermore, Figure 13 shows the reader 15 positioned below the medical handheld instrument 1 when the medical handheld instrument 1 is inserted into the instrument holder 16. The decisive factor here is that, by being placed on the medical instrument according to the present invention, the RFID tag 4 can be positioned (as desired) directly above the reader 15 when the handheld instrument 1 is inserted into the instrument holder 16, thereby minimizing the transmission distance between the RFID tag 4 and the reader 15.

[0088] The position of the RFID tag / glass tag 4 is optimized for vertical insertion of at least one (handheld) instrument 1 into the corresponding instrument holder 16. This ensures that the antenna 19 is in direct proximity to the RFID tag 4, allowing for simultaneous and reliable reading of multiple handheld instruments 1 and other instruments (100% hit rate). The specification at the time of the international application includes the following components: [1] A handheld medical instrument (1) preferably of the forceps or scissors type, comprising an instrument body having at least one gripping portion (3), at least one effector portion (2), and an RFID tag (4) which is preferably inserted into the instrument body as a glass / ceramic tag according to the subsurface principle, The notch (5) or opening (6) is formed in a region of the instrument body where substantially no force is applied during the engagement operation of the handheld instrument (1), A medical handheld instrument (1) is characterized in that a separate subsurface tag holder (7) is inserted into the notch (5) or the opening (6) preferably by force fitting and / or shape fitting, and fills the notch (5) or the opening (6) in a shape-conforming manner to the handheld instrument (1). [2] The at least one effector unit (2) has two branching units (8), The at least one gripping portion (3) has two annularly tapered handles (9), The medical handheld instrument (1) according to [1], characterized in that the notch (5) or the opening (6) is located on the side of the at least one annular tapered handle (9) of the handheld instrument (1) that faces in the opposite direction from the other annular tapered handle (9). [3] The medical handheld device (1) according to [2], characterized in that the subsurface tag holder (7) is provided to receive the RFID tag (4) in a fixed position such that the RFID tag (4) is positioned recessed into the subsurface tag holder (7) relative to the surface of the at least one annular tapered handle (9). [4] The medical handheld instrument (1) according to [2], characterized in that the subsurface tag holder (7) is provided and configured such that the RFID tag (4) is exposed to the instrument environment inside the at least one handle (9). [5] The medical handheld instrument (1) according to [2], characterized in that the subsurface tag holder (7) is configured to fit into the at least one handle (9) via a latch posterior spherical portion (11) on its short face (17) and / or via anchor points (12) on the upper surface near each of the short faces (17). [6] Each of the short faces (17) of the subsurface tag holder (7) has a protruding latch posterior spherical portion (11), The short faces (17) are preferably arranged at acute angles (α) to each other for inserting and / or pushing the subsurface tag holder (7) into the notch (5) in a direction from the inside outwards of the at least one handle (9), and the protruding latch posterior spherical portion (11) each engages with each of the milled recesses of the at least one handle (9) that are correspondingly provided and fitted for this purpose, as described in [2], for a medical handheld instrument (1). [7] The upper surface of the subsurface tag holder (7) has protruding anchor points (12) provided for inserting and / or pushing the subsurface tag holder (7) into the opening (6) from below the at least one handle (9) toward the upper surface, wherein each of the protruding anchor points (12) is pushed into and / or inserted into a corresponding recess (13) of the at least one handle (9) that is fitted, as described in [2]. [8] The subsurface tag holder (7) is provided with a mountable cover (14) inserted into at least one handle (9), Preferably, the medical handheld instrument (1) according to [7] is characterized in that the cover (14) can be connected to the subsurface tag holder (7) by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. [9] The medical handheld instrument (1) according to any one of [1] to [8], characterized in that the subsurface tag holder (7) is a plastic injection molded part configured to fit inside and preferably outside the annular shape of at least one handle (9). A medical handheld instrument (1) as described in

[10] [1] and a reading device (15), A system comprising: an RFID tag (4) and a reader (15) having an instrument holder (16) provided and adapted to hold or temporarily fix the medical handheld instrument (1) in a predetermined position and / or orientation to the reader (15), or a reader (15) configured as an instrument holder (16), Signal transmission is possible between the RFID tag (4) and the reader (15), Preferably, a system in which multiple RFID tags (4) can be read simultaneously and reliably. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1 Hand / Ring Instrument 2. Effects section 3 Gripping part 4 RFID tags 5 Notches / thin sections 6 Opening / Interruption 7. Subsurface Tag Holder 8 Branching point 9 handles 10 short faces 11 Latch posterior spherical part / projection 12 Anchor points 13 Milled recess 14 Cover 15 Reading device 16. Instrument holder 17 Short side 18 sieve basket 19 Antenna

Claims

1. A medical handheld instrument (1) comprising an instrument body having at least one gripping portion (3), at least one effector portion (2), and an RFID tag (4) inserted into the instrument body according to the subsurface principle, The notch (5) or opening (6) is formed in a region of the instrument body where substantially no force is applied during the engagement operation of the handheld instrument (1), A separate subsurface tag holder (7) in the shape of a bridge or strip is inserted into the notch (5) or the opening (6) by force fitting and / or shape fitting, filling the notch (5) or the opening (6) in a shape conforming manner to the handheld device (1), The at least one effector unit (2) has two branching units (8), The at least one gripping portion (3) has two annularly tapered handles (9), A medical handheld instrument (1), characterized in that the notch (5) or the opening (6) is positioned on the side of one of the two annular tapered handles (9) of the handheld instrument (1) that faces in the opposite direction from the other handle (9).

2. The medical handheld instrument (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is of the forceps type or scissors type, and the RFID tag is made of glass or ceramic.

3. The medical handheld device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the subsurface tag holder (7) is provided to receive the RFID tag (4) in a fixed position such that the RFID tag (4) is positioned recessed into the interior of the subsurface tag holder (7) relative to the surface of one of the annularly tapered handles (9) having the notch (5) or the opening (6).

4. The medical handheld instrument (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the subsurface tag holder (7) is provided such that the RFID tag (4) is exposed to the instrument environment inside one of the handles (9) having the notch (5) or the opening (6).

5. The medical handheld instrument (1) according to claim 2, wherein the subsurface tag holder (7) comprises two parallel long surfaces and two parallel short surfaces, and is configured to fit into the one handle (9) having the notch (5) or the opening (6) via a latch posterior spherical portion (11) on the short surface (17) and / or via anchor points (12) on the upper surface near each of the short surfaces (17).

6. The subsurface tag holder (7) comprises two parallel long surfaces and two parallel short surfaces, and each of the short surfaces (17) has a protruding latch hind spherical portion (11). The short surfaces (17) are arranged at acute angles (α) to each other for inserting and / or pushing the subsurface tag holder (7) into the notch (5) in a direction from the inside to the outside of the one handle (9), and the protruding posterior spherical portion (11) of the latch engages with each of the milled recesses of the one handle (9), characterized in that the medical handheld instrument (1) according to claim 1.

7. The upper surface of the subsurface tag holder (7) has protruding anchor points (12) provided for inserting and / or pushing the subsurface tag holder (7) into the opening (6) from below the one handle (9) toward the upper surface, and each of the protruding anchor points (12) is pushed into and / or inserted into corresponding recesses (13) of the one handle (9), characterized in that the medical handheld instrument (1) according to claim 1.

8. The device is configured such that a removable cover (14) is provided for the subsurface tag holder (7) inserted into one of the handles (9), The medical handheld device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover (14) can be connected to the subsurface tag holder (7) by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding.

9. The medical handheld device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the subsurface tag holder (7) is a plastic injection molded part configured to fit inside and outside the annular shape of one of the handles (9).

10. A handheld medical device (1) and a reading device (15) as described in claim 1, A system comprising the RFID tag (4) and the reader (15) having an instrument holder (16) that is provided and adapted to hold or temporarily fix the handheld instrument (1) in a predetermined position and / or orientation to the reader (15), or the reader (15) configured as the instrument holder (16), Signal transmission is possible between the RFID tag (4) and the reader (15), A system in which multiple RFID tags (4) can be read simultaneously and reliably.

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