Distal Antenna Array Tuning for RF Staple Cartridge Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently transmitting power and data wirelessly between surgical instruments and staple cartridges, particularly in minimizing signal interference and optimizing power conservation during minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless transmission system using paired antenna circuits, including a series RLC circuit and a parallel RLC circuit, to efficiently transfer power and data between surgical instruments and staple cartridges, with algorithms for optimizing sensor data collection, transmission, and processing, as well as modulating control parameters to improve power conservation and signal interference management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless transmission is used to transfer power and data between surgical instruments and staple cartridges, then convenience and speed are improved, but signal interference and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless transmission system into separate communication arrays positioned at different locations within the surgical instrument. Each array handles specific communication tasks, allowing the system to transmit power and data simultaneously through multiple channels, thereby improving transmission speed while reducing signal interference through spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces communication arrays that act as intermediary components between the surgical instrument controller and the staple cartridge. These arrays include antennas and circuitry that facilitate wireless communication, enabling efficient power and data transfer while managing signal interference through controlled transmission protocols and physical positioning.
2Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is used to transfer power and data between surgical instruments and staple cartridges, then convenience and speed are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles where the surgical instrument and staple cartridge exchange data and power in structured intervals. The system activates transmission only when needed rather than continuously, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining wireless convenience. Communication arrays switch between active transmission and low-power states based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If communication arrays are positioned distally in the surgical instrument, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the distal communication arrays to serve multiple functions: they enable wireless power transfer, data communication, and signal coordination between the surgical instrument and staple cartridge. By making these arrays multi-functional, the system achieves improved communication efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same components handle multiple tasks.
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
This solution enhances the efficiency of power and data transmission, reduces signal interference, and optimizes power consumption, thereby improving the performance and reliability of surgical instruments during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transmission system using paired antenna circuits, including a series RLC circuit and a parallel RLC circuit, to efficiently transfer power and data between surgical instruments and staple cartridges
Implementation Method 2
paired antenna circuits, including a series RLC circuit and a parallel RLC circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a surgical instrument, comprising a shaft, an articulation joint extending distally from the shaft, and an end effector extending distally from the articulation joint. The end effector comprises a jaw, and a staple cartridge seatable in the jaw. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a first antenna. The surgical instrument further comprises a remote power source configured to supply power, a second antenna configured to cooperate with the first antenna when the staple cartridge is seated in the jaw to transmit at least one of the power and a data signal to the staple cartridge, and a tuning electronics package located in a cavity in a proximal portion of the end effector. The tuning electronics package is configured to facilitate a locally tunable wireless transmission of the at least one of the power and the data signal.