Intelligent Handpiece Wireless Communication for Surgical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical coupling systems face challenges in maintaining reliable and continuous communication between application parts and control units, especially in the ON position, leading to signal distortions, faulty transmissions, and time delays due to the need for additional wires and interfaces.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an intelligent device within the application part, capable of wireless communication with the control unit, using a maximum of three wires corresponding to the number of motor windings, allowing information exchange in both OFF and ON states without additional lines, and featuring an energy storage device with discharge protection for prolonged communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional wires and interfaces are used to maintain communication in the ON position, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of wires and interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wire-based communication system with a wireless communication system. The intelligent device uses wireless communication protocols to transmit information between the application part and control unit, eliminating the need for additional physical wires and interfaces while maintaining communication reliability in both OFF and ON states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The intelligent device serves multiple functions: it enables communication in both OFF and ON states, provides identification of the application part, and facilitates real-time data exchange. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication wires, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional wires are used for information exchange, then communication continuity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidease of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex wired communication systems with wireless communication technology. The intelligent device communicates with the control unit and other components wirelessly, eliminating the need for users to manage additional physical connections while ensuring continuous communication throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If more coupling contacts are used, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of coupling contacts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based communication system with wireless communication. The intelligent device transmits signals wirelessly between the application part and control unit, eliminating the need for additional coupling contacts while maintaining signal transmission reliability through wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If wireless communication is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs energy storage devices (such as capacitors or rechargeable batteries) within the intelligent device to store electrical energy. This allows the wireless communication system to operate continuously without drawing excessive power from the main supply, managing energy consumption while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables secure, reliable, and continuous information transmission between application parts and control units, reducing errors and improving patient safety by maintaining communication in all states without the need for extra wires, and allowing real-time communication among parts.

Implementation Method 1

The communication device features an energy storage device with discharge protection for prolonged communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS20210353272A1Intelligent handpiece

Publication Date: 2021.11.18 AESCULAP AG

AI summary

A communication device for a surgical coupling system, which coupling system has first and second coupling devices, each having at least two electrical coupling contacts. The coupling system has a disconnected state, an OFF state, in which at least one electrical coupling contact of the first coupling device and of the second coupling device are disengaged, and an ON state, in which the at least one electrical coupling contact of the first coupling device and of the second coupling device are conductively in contact. The communication device includes at least one usage part in which an electric motor is accommodated, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. An integrated intelligent device maintains communication between the usage part and the control unit in the OFF state and in the ON state. A supply cable has at most three lines between the usage part and the control unit.