Optical Connection Detection for Surgical Console Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection detecting systems for surgical consoles are inconsistent in ensuring proper engagement of surgical devices and fail to continuously monitor the connection between the device and the console, leading to increased risks of faults and patient-related complications during ophthalmic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A connection detecting system that includes a port with a light transmission system, a pair of light pipes, an emitter, a detector, and a controller. The system continuously monitors the connection by generating light that propagates through the light transmission system, and the detector determines whether the surgical device is connected based on the presence or absence of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection detecting systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the detection reliability is inconsistent and cannot continuously monitor connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electrical contact-based detection systems with an optical detection system. Light pipes transmit light through the connector interface, and photodetectors detect the presence or absence of light to determine connection status. This optical substitution provides continuous, reliable detection without the inconsistencies of mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-based detection system operates continuously as long as the surgical console is powered on, providing uninterrupted monitoring of device connections. The light constantly passes through the light pipes and connectors, enabling real-time detection without intermittent checking, thus ensuring continuous useful action.
2Measurement precision
If connection detection is performed only at specific moments, then the system complexity is low, but the detection precision and timeliness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous monitoring of connection status through constant light transmission and detection. This eliminates the need for periodic or momentary checks, achieving high measurement precision by detecting connection changes immediately when they occur, rather than at discrete intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetectors provide continuous feedback about the connection status to the control system. When a connector is inserted or removed, the light transmission changes immediately, triggering real-time feedback that enables precise and timely detection of connection events without delay.
3Reliability
If no continuous monitoring is implemented, then the system operation is simple, but the risk of faults and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system using light pipes and photodetectors provides continuous monitoring capability that enhances procedure safety. The system detects connection status changes in real-time, alerting operators to potential faults before they lead to complications, thus improving reliability without requiring complex mechanical monitoring mechanisms.
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
The system provides continuous and accurate detection of proper device connections, reducing the risk of faults and complications during ophthalmic procedures by ensuring secure and consistent connections between surgical devices and the surgical console.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter configured to generate a light for propagation through the light transmission system
Implementation Method 2
a pair of light pipes disposed at opposite ends of the detection zone
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a connection detecting system for a surgical console. The connection detection system comprises a port for receiving a connector of a surgical device, an emitter, a detector, and a controller connected to the emitter and the detector. The port comprises a light transmission system comprising a detection zone through which the connector of the surgical device is configured to be disposed when the surgical device is coupled to the surgical console, and a pair of light pipes disposed at opposite ends of the detection zone. The emitter is configured to generate a light for propagation through the light transmission system, and the detector is configured to detect the light propagated through the light transmission system. The controller is configured to determine whether the surgical device is connected to the port based on whether the light is detected by the detector.