Authentication Chip Contact Spring Force Surgical Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered surgical staplers face reliability issues due to compromised communication between disposable loading units and reusable handle assemblies, particularly in environments exposed to fluids, leading to instability or inoperability.
Innovation Solution
An authentication system featuring a chip with encrypted data and a 1-wire bidirectional serial communications interface, integrated into the loading unit, which securely communicates with the handle assembly via a contact assembly and adapter board, ensuring compatibility and preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a chip and contact assembly are used to communicate between loading unit and handle assembly, then compatibility and automation are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fluid exposure compromising the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a spring mechanism that maintains constant contact pressure between the chip contact assembly and the adapter board contacts. The spring compensates for fluid exposure, mechanical stress, and manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable electrical connection throughout the surgical procedure without requiring protective enclosures that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter board assembly serves as an intermediary component between the loading unit chip and the handle assembly. It includes a spring-loaded contact mechanism that mediates the electrical connection, protecting the fragile chip connection from fluid exposure while maintaining reliable signal transmission. The intermediary design allows the chip to remain protected yet accessible for communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly is configured for use with various reload assemblies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the handle assembly with a standardized interface that accepts multiple types of reload assemblies through the adapter board. The spring-loaded contact mechanism provides universal compatibility across different staple configurations while maintaining a single, simple handle assembly design. The chip in each loading unit contains configuration data that enables the universal handle to operate correctly with its specific reload type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by encoding the specific configuration data of each reload assembly type into a chip. Instead of physically configuring the handle assembly for different reload types, the system creates a digital copy of the configuration parameters in the chip, which the handle reads and executes. This allows one handle to control multiple reload configurations without physical modification.
3Reliability
If contact assembly is made robust to prevent fluid damage, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by making the chip and its contact assembly replaceable components. Rather than creating a robust, maintenance-free connection, the system accepts that the chip contact assembly may fail and can be easily replaced with a new loading unit. This simplifies manufacturing by allowing standard, easily fabricated contacts that don't require complex protective structures, as the entire assembly is discarded and replaced rather than repaired.
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 the reliability of communication between the disposable loading unit and the handle assembly, reducing the risk of user error and ensuring only authentic, fresh loading units are used, thereby improving surgical stapler performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to apply a contact force to the contact assembly
Implementation Method 2
a chip in operable communication with the contact assembly, the chip comprising authentication data relating to the loading unit
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication system for use in a surgical stapling device includes an authentication board assembly disposed at a proximal end of a loading unit and having a contact assembly, and an adapter board assembly disposed at a distal end of an adapter assembly. When the loading unit is engaged with the adapter assembly, the authentication board engages the adapter board assembly.