Optical Surgical Instrument Identification via Connector Light Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying surgical devices during procedures, such as phacoemulsification, rely on barcodes or RFID systems, which are either cumbersome or susceptible to interference, lacking an efficient automatic identification solution.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing a light source and photo sensor, with inductive coupling, to automatically identify surgical instruments and consumables through light pulses and colors, ensuring proper operation and power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barcodes are used for device identification, then device identification can be achieved, but a separate scanner is required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identification function with the existing surgical instrument structure by integrating a light source and photo sensor directly into the instrument and console connectors. This eliminates the need for separate barcode scanners while maintaining accurate device identification through optical communication between connected components.
2Extent of automation
If RFID systems are used for device identification, then automatic identification is achieved, but the systems are susceptible to interference reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic RFID communication with an optical communication system using light sources and photo sensors. This substitution provides automatic identification while being resistant to electromagnetic interference, thereby maintaining automation benefits while improving reliability in surgical environments.
3Productivity
If light sources and photo sensors are integrated into connectors, then automatic identification is achieved without external scanners, but the connectors become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the connectors: electrical connection, mechanical alignment, and optical identification. By making the connectors multi-functional, the system achieves rapid automatic identification while the connector structure itself serves multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate identification components.
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
Provides a reliable, interference-resistant method for identifying surgical instruments and consumables, ensuring safe and effective operation by using light pulses and colors for device recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and a connector antenna; and a console connector comprising a photo sensor and a console antenna. The light source is configured to produce light that is received by the photo sensor when the instrument connector is coupled to the console connector
Implementation Method 2
The console antenna and the connector antenna may be inductively coupled so that the console connector provides power to the instrument connector
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes an instrument connector with a light source and a connector antenna; and a console connector with a photo sensor and a console antenna. The light source is configured to produce light that is received by the photo sensor when the instrument connector is coupled to the console connector. The light source may also be configured to produce a series of light pulses, the series of light pulses identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector. The light source may also be configured to produce light of a particular color, the color of the light identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector. The light source may also be configured to produce a series of light pulses of a particular color, the series of light pulses and the color of the light identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector.