RFID-Enabled Medical Instrument Operation Unit for Automatic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical systems require manual adjustment of the operation portion installation section for different treatment instruments, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when the installation distance and maximum displacement distance vary between instruments.

Innovation Solution

A treatment instrument operation unit with a built-in RFID system that automatically adjusts the installation position and reads treatment instrument information, allowing for seamless integration of various instruments without manual alignment, using a motor-driven rack and pinion mechanism and a ring pressing portion to accommodate different thumb ring and slider configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment is performed for each treatment instrument type, then the installation position can be precisely aligned, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation position alignmentVSAvoidadjustment operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies the treatment instrument type via RFID reading and self-adjusts the operation portion installation section position based on the detected instrument characteristics, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by staff members

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment operation is replaced by an automatic control system that uses RFID identification and motor-driven positioning mechanisms to achieve precise alignment without human intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual adjustment operation is required for different treatment instruments, then installation precision can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation position accuracyVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic identification and positioning without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while maintaining precision through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The operation portion installation section is designed to universally accommodate different treatment instrument types through automatic positioning, eliminating the need for instrument-specific adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If staff members perform adjustment operations for each instrument installation, then installation accuracy is maintained, but staff workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation portion alignmentVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the alignment task that previously required staff intervention, making the installation process easier while maintaining precision through automated identification and positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for manual adjustment, enabling quick and accurate setup of treatment instruments within the medical system, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing staff workload.

Implementation Method 1

a treatment instrument information acquiring section which acquires treatment instrument information when the treatment instrument is installed in the treatment instrument operation unit 50

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2033590B1Treatment instrument operation unit and medical system with treatment instrument operation unit
Publication Date: 2013.11.06 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • EP2033590B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2033590B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2033590B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A treatment instrument operation unit is provided with a drive unit, an operation portion installation section and a command signal output section. The drive unit drives an operation portion for operating each treatment section of the respective treatment instruments. The operation portion is attached to the operation portion installation section provided to the drive unit. The command signal output section outputs an installation start signal to a controller for notifying that the installation of the treatment instrument has begun upon installation of the operation portion in the operation portion installation section. After outputting the installation start signal from the command signal output section to the controller, the drive unit is driven based on the control signal outputted from the controller to move the operation portion installation section to the position where the operation portion is allowed to be installed.