Surgical Cannula Connector Sensing for Reliable Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Teleoperated surgical instruments made of electrically conductive materials can become electrically charged in a surgical environment, leading to undesirable discharges that may damage the instruments and require improved electrical grounding to prevent such occurrences.
Innovation Solution
A surgical cannula with an electrical connector interface and sensing device to detect the engagement or disengagement of a patient return electrode connector, providing real-time feedback to the surgical system to ensure proper grounding and prevent instrument damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductor is connected between the electrically conductive portions of the surgical cannula and the patient's body to dissipate charge, then electrical charge buildup is prevented, but the complexity of the device increases due to additional connectors and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical grounding system is segmented into modular components: a grounding member integrated into the cannula, a separate connector with sensing device, and a return electrode. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying assembly and reducing overall system complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device provides feedback to the control circuit about the engagement state of the connector. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable electrical grounding by detecting whether the connector is properly engaged with the grounding member, allowing the system to verify grounding status without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If a connector with sensing device is added to detect engagement state, then grounding reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is merged with the connector assembly, combining the grounding function and detection function into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining reliable engagement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device automatically detects the engagement state of the connector without requiring external intervention or complex manual checking. The system self-verifies grounding status through the sensing device, reducing the need for additional monitoring systems or manual verification procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical connector interface is designed for removable engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical grounding may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device performs preliminary detection to verify proper engagement before electrical energy is applied. This preliminary verification ensures that the removable connector is properly engaged, allowing safe operation while maintaining grounding reliability through pre-checks rather than requiring permanent fixed connections.
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 solution ensures reliable electrical grounding by detecting the connection state of the return electrode, preventing instrument damage and enhancing the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical connector sensing device configured to sense whether the electrical connector interface is engaged or disengaged with the electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprise positioning an electrode in conductive contact with an electrically conductive body; engaging an electrical connector operatively coupled to the electrode to an electrical connector interface of a surgical cannula; and changing a state of an electrical connector sensing device responsive to the engaging of the electrical connector and the electrical connector interface of the surgical cannula. The engaging electrically couples the electrical connector and the electrical connector interface of the surgical cannula.