RFID Insert Assembly With Ferromagnetic Shielding for Metal Handpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic medical and dental devices face limitations in precision and safety due to inadequate oscillatory amplitudes and interference from metal inserts and bodily fluids, which hinder effective communication between RFID identifiers and medical devices, and require improved RF signal transmission in compact, sterilizable forms.
Innovation Solution
A medical device assembly with a miniaturized insert assembly incorporating a ferromagnetic layer, dielectric layer, and insert antenna, along with a handpiece antenna, to enhance RF communication and maintain mechanical properties, while being biocompatible and resistant to sterilization stresses, ensuring effective identification and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal insert is used in the ultrasonic device, then mechanical strength and structural integrity are improved, but RF signal transmission is hindered due to interference from the metal
Solution Approach 1:
A ferromagnetic layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal insert and the RFID antenna. This layer acts as a shield that blocks electromagnetic interference from the metal insert, preventing signal degradation while allowing the metal insert to maintain its structural function. The ferromagnetic material absorbs or redirects electromagnetic fields, creating a protective barrier that enables reliable RF communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic layer is applied locally only in the regions where electromagnetic interference occurs, rather than covering the entire device. This localized application minimizes the impact on mechanical properties while providing targeted protection against RF interference. The layer is positioned specifically between the metal insert and the antenna, creating a selective shield where it is most needed.
2Reliability
If the insert diameter is increased to accommodate RFID components, then RF communication capability is improved, but the insert becomes too large for minimal obstruction in the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID components (antenna and ferromagnetic layer) are nested within the existing insert structure rather than adding external components. The antenna is wrapped around or integrated into the insert body, and the ferromagnetic layer is applied as a thin coating or intermediate layer. This nesting approach allows all components to occupy the same spatial envelope, minimizing the increase in overall insert diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert maintains its primary cutting function while continuously providing RF communication capability throughout the procedure. The compact integrated design ensures that the insert can be inserted and removed repeatedly without compromising either its mechanical cutting performance or its RFID identification function, allowing continuous useful action in the surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If the insert is made sterilizable by using durable materials, then reliability is improved, but the RFID components may be damaged during sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic layer is applied as a thin film or coating that can withstand sterilization temperatures without degrading. This thin film approach allows the RFID components to be protected while maintaining compatibility with autoclave sterilization processes. The ferromagnetic material's inherent thermal stability provides protection during high-temperature sterilization, and the thin film structure allows heat to pass through without causing overheating of the embedded electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic layer serves as a protective cushion for the RFID antenna during sterilization processes. By positioning this layer between the antenna and the harsh sterilization environment (high temperatures, moisture, pressure), it provides beforehand protection that prevents damage to the sensitive electronic components while allowing the insert itself to undergo repeated sterilization cycles.
4Reliability
If a ferromagnetic layer is added to block RF interference, then RF signal transmission is improved, but the insert diameter increases causing obstruction in the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic layer serves as a thin intermediary shield that blocks RF interference from the metal insert without requiring significant thickness. This intermediate layer is positioned strategically between the metal insert and the RFID antenna, providing effective electromagnetic shielding while maintaining a minimal profile that does not significantly increase the overall insert diameter or obstruct the surgical site.
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 solution enables secure, efficient, and precise ultrasonic operations with improved RF communication, maintaining patient safety and device performance, while allowing for reliable traceability and maintenance of medical devices and inserts.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic layer (6), arranged on said insert metal tang (5), in which said ferromagnetic layer (6) is adapted to reduce or cancel attenuation and/or distortion phenomena of the electromagnetic field caused by field parasitic effects in the vicinity of the antenna insert (8) due to the interaction of a transmitted/received electromagnetic field with metal parts of the insert metal tang (5)
Implementation Method 2
an insert antenna (8), arranged in contact with said dielectric layer (7), and comprising an insert antenna metal element (9), which extends along a predefined, essentially planar profile P... configured to receive and transmit electromagnetic fields within a given frequency range
Implementation Method 3
power ultrasounds are applied in the dissection of hard tissues (bone) and soft tissues... generated by piezoelectric transducers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An insert assembly (1) comprising an insert (2) and a radiofrequency identifier (3), said insert assembly (1) being adapted to be inserted in a medical device handpiece (4), said insert assembly (1) comprising: - said insert (2) adapted to interact with a part of the patient's body, in which the insert (2) comprises an insert metal tang (5); - said radiofrequency identifier (3) comprising: - a ferromagnetic layer (6) arranged, by means of the inner insulating layer (17), in contact with said metal tang (5) of the insert (2), wherein said ferromagnetic layer (6) comprises ferromagnetic material; - a dielectric layer (7), arranged in contact with said ferromagnetic layer (6); - an insert antenna (8), arranged in contact with said dielectric layer (7), and comprising an insert antenna metal element (9), extending along a predefined substantially planar profile (P), said insert antenna (8) being configured to receive and transmit electromagnetic fields within a given frequency range, modulated or not modulated; - an identification chip (10), said identification chip (10) being operatively connected to said insert antenna (8), and being configured to transmit and receive, when activated, information on the insert assembly (1); wherein said ferromagnetic layer (6) is adapted to reduce or cancel phenomena of attenuation and/or distortion of the electromagnetic field, caused by field parasitic effects in the vicinity of the insert antenna (8) due to the interaction of a transmitted/received electromagnetic field with metal parts of the insert metal tang (5), and/or with liquids present in the insert, and/or with the insert antenna metal element (9); and wherein said medical device handpiece (4) comprises a handpiece antenna (12); and wherein said ferromagnetic layer (6), dielectric layer (7), and insert antenna (8) form a transceiver device (11), adapted to put said identification chip (10) in wireless communication with said handpiece antenna (12) of said handpiece (4); and wherein said ferromagnetic layer (6) and/or said dielectric layer (7) comprises a chip seat (13); and wherein said identification chip (10) is operatively connected to said insert antenna (8) so as to avoid protruding, and increasing the diameter of the insert metal tang (5), from at least a first side or outer side (14) of said substantially planar profile (P) of said insert antenna metal element (9) of said insert antenna (8); and wherein the part of said identification chip (10) protrudes with a chip portion (16) thereof from the opposite side, with respect to said outer side (14), of said substantially planar profile (P), or inner side (15) of said insert antenna metal element (9) of said insert antenna (8); and wherein said protruding chip portion (16) is received in said chip seat (13).