Fluid Management System AC Power Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid management systems in arthroscopic surgery face compatibility issues with surgical devices from different manufacturers, require custom detection devices, and have complex tube installation procedures, along with inaccurate pressure estimation methods that involve additional intrusive components.

Innovation Solution

A fluid management system with a detection circuit that monitors AC power signal characteristics to automatically adjust operation modes based on the surgical device's operational state, using a standard IEC 320 connector and a rotating motor for tube switching, and estimates pressure without additional site measurements through a pressure algorithm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a custom detection device is used for each surgical device model, then the fluid management system can detect device operation status, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection device variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single detection circuit that can detect the operational status of multiple different surgical devices from various manufacturers. Instead of creating custom detection devices for each surgical device model, the fluid management system uses one universal detection circuit that identifies device operation through electrical characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detection devices and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a pinch mechanism with rotating wheel is used for tube switching, then the outflow path can be switched between operational and non-operational modes, but the tube installation procedure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutflow path switching capabilityVSAvoidtube installation procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the switching function from the tube installation process. Instead of requiring users to manually manipulate tubes through a complex pinch mechanism with rotating wheels, the system automatically switches between operational and non-operational outflow paths based on electrical detection signals. This separates the switching function from manual tube handling, simplifying the installation procedure while maintaining path switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensors are installed at the operative site to detect inflow pressure, then accurate pressure detection is achieved, but additional intrusive components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinflow pressure detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by detecting device operation status through electrical characteristics of the surgical device itself, rather than directly measuring pressure at the operative site. The detection circuit acts as an intermediary that infers operational status from electrical signals, which then triggers appropriate fluid management responses without requiring direct pressure sensors at the surgical site, thereby reducing component intrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2165720B1Fluid management system
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 ARTHREX INC
  • EP2165720B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2165720B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2165720B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A fluid management system with a detection circuit for detecting whether an attached surgical device is operational. The fluid management system changes at least one operation mode when the surgical device is detected as being operational. The fluid management system may include inflow, outflow, or inflow/outflow capabilities, and monitors at least one signal characteristic of an AC power signal provided to the surgical device.