Wireless Medical Device Networking in Operating Theaters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgeons face difficulties in easily networking various devices in an operating theater, requiring manual wiring or setting up wireless networks, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically establishes a network using a main device group with a wireless transceiver and a control device, and a secondary device group with a slave device, allowing wireless communication only within a single location to ensure secure and efficient device connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual wiring or active wireless network setup is used to connect devices, then device connectivity is achieved, but setup time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDevice networking easeVSAvoidSetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering available devices and pre-configuring network connections before the surgical procedure begins. The control device proactively scans for slave devices, establishes wireless connections, and configures communication parameters in advance, eliminating the need for manual setup during critical moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing devices to automatically configure their own network connections without human intervention. The control device autonomously discovers slave devices, negotiates communication protocols, and establishes optimal connection parameters, making the networking process self-organizing and eliminating manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication is allowed to pass through walls between locations, then communication range is increased, but security and reliability of device networking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCommunication rangeVSAvoidNetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by creating location-specific network zones where wireless communication is optimized for each surgical room. The control device determines the current location and establishes communication parameters appropriate for that specific environment, allowing walls to naturally contain signals while maintaining optimal performance within each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses location information as an intermediary to mediate between communication range and security requirements. By using GPS or other location-detection mechanisms, the system determines whether devices are in the same location before allowing direct communication, effectively using location data as a security gatekeeper that maintains reliability while enabling appropriate adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240267289A1Method of wireless discovery and networking of medical devices in care environments

Publication Date: 2024.08.08 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A method for controlling devices in a medical facility includes determining a location of a medical device or medical device controller on a mobile cart in a medical room of a medical facility by triangulating a position of a wireless transceiver associated with the medical device or medical device controller using other wireless transceivers associated with one or more other medical device controllers and/or one or more other medical devices.