Surgical Loading Unit Recognition via Sliding Contact Circuit Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surgical stapling instruments require an RFID scanning method for loading unit recognition, which necessitates pre-scanning of an RFID chip before insertion, complicating the process and potentially leading to medical accidents due to incorrect actuation based on unrecognized loading units.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a recognition portion that includes a first sliding member, trigger member, and circuit board, where the sliding member is actuated by the loading unit to engage with response members on the circuit board, generating electrical signals for the controller to determine the loading unit type, eliminating the need for pre-scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID scanning method is used for loading unit recognition, then the control unit can obtain type information of the loading unit, but the process becomes complicated and requires pre-scanning before insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RFID chip from the loading unit and places it on the elongated body assembly instead. This allows the reading device to be integrated into the handle assembly, eliminating the need for separate pre-scanning operations and reducing process complexity while maintaining recognition reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the RFID reading function with the handle assembly by integrating the reading device directly into it. This combines the recognition process with the loading unit insertion process, eliminating the need for separate pre-scanning steps and simplifying the overall operation
2Loss of information
If RFID chip is attached to loading unit and requires pre-scanning, then type information can be obtained, but the operation process is time-consuming and may lead to medical accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID chip is pre-positioned on the elongated body assembly rather than on the loading unit. This preliminary arrangement allows the reading device to automatically detect the chip when the loading unit is inserted, eliminating the need for time-consuming pre-scanning operations and ensuring type information is obtained instantly
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service recognition by automatically detecting the RFID chip position and reading the type information during the normal insertion process. This eliminates the need for manual pre-scanning operations, reducing both time loss and potential for human error
3Measurement precision
If multiple first electrical branches with different load values are provided, then the controller can accurately determine the loading unit type, but the circuit board becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different load values at different locations on the circuit board. Each first electrical branch has a specific load value corresponding to a particular loading unit type, allowing the controller to accurately identify the type by detecting which branch is engaged, while keeping the overall circuit board design simple and modular
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an elongated body assembly adapted for being attached with a loading unit, wherein the loading unit may have various types. The elongated body assembly is provided with a loading unit type recognition portion that includes a first sliding member configured for being actuated by the loading unit during assembling of the loading unit, so as to be moved to a predetermined position; a first trigger member arranged on the first sliding member; a first circuit board, the first circuit board being provided with at least two first response members, and each first response member being configured to cooperate with the first trigger member to conduct or cut off one first electrical branch, and each of the first electrical branches may have a different load value; and a controller configured to determine the type of the loading unit according to a feedback signal from the first circuit board.