RFID Tag Vibration Isolation for Medical Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for breaking up body stones, such as urinary or kidney stones, face issues with the RFID transmitter's functionality being adversely affected by ultrasound vibrations and high temperatures, leading to reduced performance over time.

Innovation Solution

A system with a vibration-protected RFID element decoupled from the probe, integrated into a ring element made of plastic, and connected via a thread with a plastic region to reduce vibration transmission and prevent overheating, ensuring the RFID element's functionality is maintained.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RFID element is rigidly connected to the probe, then the identification function is ensured, but the RFID element is adversely affected by ultrasound vibrations and high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID element functionalityVSAvoidvibration and temperature exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the probe for mechanical stone fragmentation and the RFID element for identification, connected through a decoupling interface. This segmentation allows the RFID element to be isolated from the harmful vibrations and temperatures generated during probe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An interface component acts as an intermediary between the probe and the RFID element. This intermediary connection transmits necessary signals while attenuating mechanical vibrations and thermal exposure, protecting the RFID element from harmful effects during ultrasound-based stone fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the probe is detachably connected to the source, then the probe can be replaced regularly, but the RFID element is exposed to repeated connection and disconnection stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe replaceabilityVSAvoidRFID element functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the probe assembly from the RFID element assembly, allowing the probe to be detached and replaced for different treatment scenarios while the RFID element remains in the stationary source unit, avoiding repeated stress cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design incorporates vibration isolation and thermal protection features that are pre-built into the connection mechanism. These protective elements cushion the RFID element against the stresses of repeated probe connections and disconnections, ensuring long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the RFID element is integrated into the probe, then the identification is simplified, but the functionality is adversely affected by intensive ultrasound vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidRFID element functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A specialized interface component serves as an intermediary between the probe and RFID element. This intermediary maintains electrical and data connections while providing mechanical decoupling that filters out harmful ultrasound vibrations, allowing simplified integration without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface connection utilizes composite material structures that combine electrical conductivity for signal transmission with vibration-damping properties. This composite approach enables a simple integrated design while protecting the RFID element from mechanical stresses through material-level vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively maintains the RFID element's functionality by reducing vibration and thermal exposure, allowing for reliable identification and data storage, even after multiple uses, and preventing improper use of the probe.

Implementation Method 1

a source causing shock waves and/or ultrasound waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 2

a source causing shock waves and/or ultrasound waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 3

the probes which frequently vibrate in the ultrasound range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11576692B2System for crushing and/or removing body stones, method for providing such a system and adapter element

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 FERTON HOLDING SA

AI summary

A system for crushing and/or removing body stones, includes a source causing shock waves and/or ultrasonic waves, and a probe, wherein the source and the probe are reversibly connectable to one another via an interface for transmitting the shock waves and/or ultrasonic waves to the probe. The probe includes an identification element for identifying the probe, the identification element being arranged in or on the probe in a sound-protected manner. The identification element is preferably an RFID element.