RFID Tag Assembly for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tags deteriorate in performance when mounted on metal surfaces, leading to reduced communication distance and are often too large for surgical instruments, interfering with their use and balance.
Innovation Solution
A passive mount-on-metal RFID tag assembly with a conductive mounting base and RF-transparent cover, utilizing a dipole antenna and connector elements to ensure consistent grounding and increased communication distance, while maintaining a compact size for surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive RFID tag is mounted on a metal surface, then the tag can be used with surgical instruments, but the antenna performance deteriorates and communication distance reduces
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive spacer element is introduced between the RFID tag antenna and the metal mounting base. This intermediary component electrically isolates the antenna from the conductive metal surface, preventing the harmful interaction that causes detuning and performance deterioration, while still allowing the tag to be mounted on metal surgical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive non-conductive spacer (such as a plastic or ceramic element) to solve the metal surface compatibility problem. This disposable or replaceable component is integrated into the mounting base, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for complex shielding or alternative mounting mechanisms.
2Reliability
If existing RFID tags are used for surgical instruments, then tracking is enabled, but the tags are too large and impede surgeon use and balance
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag system is segmented into separate functional components: a compact mounting base that attaches to the surgical instrument, a spacer element for electrical isolation, and the RFID tag itself. This segmentation allows the tag to be positioned optimally while keeping the overall assembly minimal and lightweight, reducing interference with surgical instrument handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag assembly is designed to nest within or attach compactly to the surgical instrument structure. The mounting base integrates with the instrument, and the tag is positioned in a space-efficient manner, allowing the entire RFID system to be embedded or attached without adding significant bulk or weight that would impede surgical use.
3Ease of manufacture
If RFID tags are mounted directly on metal surfaces without proper grounding, then mounting is simplified, but detuning occurs and communication distance reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base incorporates the grounding and electrical isolation features as integral parts of its structure. The non-conductive spacer is built into the base design, and the mounting mechanism automatically provides both mechanical attachment and electrical isolation when the base is mounted on the metal instrument. This self-service approach maintains mounting simplicity while ensuring consistent operation.
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 RFID tag assembly provides consistent operation and increased communication range on metal surfaces, allowing for simultaneous reading of multiple instruments and minimizing interference with surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting base is made of an electrically conductive material... The mounting base may provide consistent grounding of the RFID tag to a consistent electrically conductive mass
Implementation Method 2
The cover is made of a substantially RF transparent material... The cover is arranged over the RFID tag such that at least part of the RFID tag is located within the recess
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
An RFID tag assembly (10) comprising: a passive mount-on-metal RFID tag (12) comprising an integrated circuit chip and an antenna provided on one side (14 ) of the RFID tag; a mounting base (16) made of an electrically conductive material; and a cover (18) made of a substantially RF transparent material and defining a recess (18a), wherein the RFID tag is mounted on the mounting base with said one side of the RFID tag coupled toa first side ofthe mounting base and wherein the coveris arranged over the RFID tag such that at least part of the RFID tag is located within the recess and the cover is fixed to the mounting base, such that the mounting base and the cover together encapsulate the RFID tag.