RFID Ring Illumination System for Surgical Machine Tool Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical machines lack effective means to prevent tool connection errors, leading to potential patient harm due to passive labeling and inability to identify connected tools, and they do not allow data collection on tool usage or operation status.
Innovation Solution
An RFID and ring illumination system is integrated into the surgical machine, where an RFID reader and tag communicate to ensure correct tool connection and provide data on tool usage, combined with a ring illumination system on the machine's front panel to enhance visibility and reduce complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive labeling is used on connectors, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but tool identification accuracy deteriorates leading to connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical/visual labeling systems with an active RFID identification system. RFID tags are integrated into connectors and tools, enabling automated electronic identification instead of relying on visual labels that surgeons must manually match. This substitution eliminates connection errors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized RFID tag integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the surgical machine's controller read RFID tags on connected tools and verify tool-connector compatibility. The system provides real-time feedback to confirm correct connections or alert surgeons to mismatches, preventing wrong tool usage while maintaining simple physical connector design.
2Measurement precision
If multiple different connectors are used for different tools, then tool identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized physical connector interface that works with all surgical tools. RFID tags embedded in both the universal connector and tools provide the differentiation needed for accurate identification, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector types while maintaining precise tool recognition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID reader and tag are separated into different locations, then tool connection flexibility improves, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the RFID reader antenna in advance on the surgical machine's front console, close to where tool connectors are located. RFID tags are pre-installed on tools before surgery. This advance positioning ensures reliable electromagnetic coupling and communication when tools are connected, while maintaining the flexibility of universal connectors.
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 prevents tool connection errors by ensuring correct tool identification and reduces manufacturing complexity while allowing data collection, enhancing surgical machine safety and cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID reader and tag communicate to ensure correct tool connection and provide data on tool usage
Implementation Method 2
a ring illumination system on the machine's front panel to enhance visibility
Data Source
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AI summary
An RFID ring illumination system includes an illumination ring and a printed circuit board. The illumination ring has a light refracting layer integral with the front of a surgical machine. The printed circuit board is located behind and close to the front of the surgical machine. The printed circuit board has an RFID reader antenna and a light source mounted on it. The light emitted by the light source travels through the illumination ring and is visible from the front of the surgical machine.