Conductive Fluid Line Connection Verification for Surgical Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting fluid lines to surgical instruments during reprocessing are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring manual detection of incorrect connections which can lead to aborted programs due to pressure buildup during leak tests.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system that uses an electrically conductive fluid line to establish a functional connection with the surgical instrument, allowing for immediate feedback through acoustic or visual signals when a secure, leak-free connection is made, ensuring correct fluid line attachment even under high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection verification methods are used, then connection correctness can be detected, but the reprocessing process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection verification with an automated electrical monitoring system. Electrical contacts are integrated into the fluid line connections, and a control unit automatically detects when fluid lines are correctly connected through electrical circuit completion, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual leak tests and pressure measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system enables the reprocessing device to automatically verify connections without operator intervention. The system self-checks connection status through the electrical contacts embedded in the fluid line connectors, automatically controlling the reprocessing program based on detection results, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If leak tests with pressure buildup are performed, then connection faults can be detected, but incorrect connections cause program abortion and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs connection verification before initiating the reprocessing program. Electrical contacts in the fluid line connectors establish circuits that are checked by the control unit prior to program start, allowing incorrect connections to be detected and corrected before time-consuming reprocessing cycles begin, thus preventing program abortions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based leak test system with an electrical detection system. Instead of building up pressure and measuring drops, the system uses electrical circuit completion through contacts in the fluid line connectors to instantly verify connections, eliminating the time loss associated with pressure testing and program abortions.
3Productivity
If electrical contacts are made through fluid line outer surfaces, then connection verification becomes fast and reliable, but the system requires conductive materials in fluid lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fluid line connector serve dual functions: fluid transport and electrical signal transmission. The outer surface of the fluid line is made electrically conductive to establish electrical contacts, allowing the same component to perform both its primary fluid handling function and the additional function of connection verification, thereby minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical contact function directly into the fluid line connector structure. The conductive outer surface of the fluid line is integrated with the connector geometry, combining what could be separate components (fluid line and electrical contact element) into a single unified component, thus improving verification speed without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enables quick and reliable connection verification, preventing incorrect fluid line attachments and ensuring safe rinsing of surgical instruments by providing immediate operator feedback on connection status, thus streamlining the reprocessing procedure.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid line connection makes an electrical contact when functionally connected to the surgical instrument, which is further developed in that the electrical contact is made possible by an outer surface of the fluid line, which is electrically conductive, making contact with an outer surface of the surgical instrument or an instrument connection of the surgical instrument, which is at least partially conductive
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a monitoring system for preparing of surgical instruments (10), wherein a fluid line (12–16) is provided for supplying a fluid to the surgical instrument (10), which fluid line is connectable or connected to the surgical instrument (10), wherein the fluid line (12–16) has a fluid line connection (12'–16') for connecting the fluid line (12–16) to the surgical instrument (10). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for connecting a surgical instrument (10) to at least one fluid line (12–16). According to the invention, the monitoring system is characterised in that the fluid line connection (12'–16') closes an electrical contact (17) by connecting, according to the function, to the surgical tool (10).