Surgical Loading Unit Recognition Mechanism for Assembly Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in accurately identifying and ensuring proper assembly of different types of loading units due to the need for RFID scanning before insertion, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
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, providing electrical signals for type identification and assembly confirmation through a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID scanning recognition method is used, then loading unit type identification can be achieved, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RFID scanning recognition method with a mechanical recognition mechanism. The loading unit itself mechanically actuates the sliding member during the assembling process, eliminating the need for separate RFID scanning operations. This mechanical substitution integrates the recognition function into the natural assembly motion, making the process more convenient while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical recognition mechanism performs the type identification action during the natural assembling process itself. The sliding member is actuated in advance by the loading unit's insertion motion, so that recognition occurs automatically as part of the assembly sequence rather than as a separate preliminary step requiring operator intervention.
2Loss of information
If RFID scanning is performed before insertion, then loading unit type information can be obtained, but the process requires additional time and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the type recognition function with the assembling operation itself. The sliding member is actuated by the loading unit during insertion, combining the information acquisition action with the mechanical assembly motion. This eliminates the need for separate pre-insertion scanning steps, reducing time loss while ensuring complete information acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The recognition mechanism is designed to be actuated in advance by the loading unit's natural insertion motion. The sliding member moves to its predetermined position as part of the assembly process itself, performing the recognition action preliminarily during insertion rather than requiring a separate scanning step before insertion.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical actuation during assembling is used, then recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading unit itself serves to actuate the sliding member during assembly. The loading unit's insertion motion automatically triggers the recognition mechanism without requiring additional actuation devices or complex control systems. This self-service approach improves recognition accuracy while minimizing the addition of complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the recognition element that detects loading unit type and as part of the circuit board engagement mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving recognition accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having an elongated body assembly adapted for being operatably attached with a loading unit. The loading unit has a feature portion corresponding to the type of the loading unit, and the elongated body assembly includes a recognition portion adapted for cooperating with the feature portion of the loading unit for identifying the type of the loading unit attached thereto and including a first sliding member configured for being actuated by the feature portion of the loading unit during assembling of the loading unit, a first biasing member for biasing the first sliding member in an initial position, a first trigger member, a first circuit board, and a controller configured to determine the type of the loading unit according to a feedback signal from the first circuit board.