Medical Instrument Usage Counter and Environmental Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking the usage and reprocessing of medical instruments are prone to errors, require significant manual effort, and lack accessibility of usage information when instruments are disconnected from systems, necessitating a more reliable and automated solution for recording and conveying usage and environmental exposure data.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a device with a shaft, end effector, and transmission mechanism that includes an indicator movable through multiple positions to display remaining uses and environmental condition changes, using a state-change element and counter mechanism to store and provide information on reprocessing events, and employing electronic non-volatile memory and voltage sources to record environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tracking methods are used to record instrument usage and reprocessing, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument itself performs the tracking function through an integrated counter mechanism that automatically increments with each use and reprocessing event, eliminating the need for external manual recording systems while ensuring accurate and reliable data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording systems with an automated mechanical counter mechanism integrated into the instrument, which electronically or mechanically tracks usage without human intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
2Measurement precision
If electronic displays are used to show usage information, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes inoperable or inaccessible when the instrument is disconnected from the manipulator system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the tracking function into two independent components: a counter mechanism integrated into the instrument that continuously records usage, and a display mechanism that can be accessed independently of the manipulator system, allowing the instrument to display its own usage information without requiring connection to external systems
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument housing or attached component serves as an intermediary that contains and protects the counter mechanism, allowing the usage information to be displayed through the instrument itself rather than requiring connection to the manipulator system for access
3Reliability
If automated electronic tracking systems are implemented, then reliability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and loss of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counter mechanism that operates periodically at specific events (instrument use, reprocessing) rather than continuously, consuming energy only when needed to increment the counter, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes non-volatile memory or mechanical counter components that retain data without requiring continuous power supply, effectively using a low-energy storage solution that maintains tracking reliability without the ongoing energy costs of active electronic displays or communication systems
4Device complexity
If manual recording is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to time-intensive tracking processes
Solution Approach 1:
The counter mechanism is pre-configured within the instrument to automatically increment at the moment of use or reprocessing, eliminating the need for subsequent manual recording operations and freeing support staff time for other critical tasks
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument can include a shaft with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, an end effector at the distal end portion, and a transmission mechanism at the proximal end portion. The transmission mechanism can include a driven input device engageable with an external drive mechanism. The instrument can include an indicator operably coupled to the driven input device and moveable through each of a plurality of consecutive positions, each of the plurality of consecutive positions being associated with a unique indicium of a non-zero number of available uses left of the instrument. In response to the driven input device being driven, the indicator moves from a current position of the plurality of positions to a subsequent position of the plurality of positions. The instrument can also include a device configured to record occurrence of a change in an environmental condition to which the instrument is subjected.