RFID Surgical Instrument Assemblies for Compatibility and Setting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments lack efficient systems for identifying and controlling operational settings based on the type of instrument, consumable devices, and user authentication, leading to potential compatibility issues and suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

The integration of RFID scanners and control circuits in surgical instruments to receive and process data from RFID tags associated with the instrument, consumable devices, and users, determining operational settings and controlling the instrument accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RFID scanners and control circuits are integrated into surgical instruments, then operational control precision and compatibility verification are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is designed with integrated RFID scanning capability that serves multiple functions: identifying instrument type, verifying consumable compatibility, and controlling operational settings. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to perform what would otherwise require separate systems, improving operational control while managing complexity through consolidation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs RFID tag scanning, data processing, and operational setting determination without requiring manual intervention. The control circuit autonomously verifies compatibility between instruments and consumables, and adjusts operational parameters based on detected RFID information, enabling the system to self-configure and self-verify.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple RFID tags are scanned and processed, then compatibility verification and operational settings determination are improved, but information processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility verificationVSAvoidinformation processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

RFID tags are pre-loaded with identification data, compatibility information, and operational parameters before the surgical procedure. The system scans these pre-prepared tags and immediately processes the stored information to determine compatibility and set operational parameters, eliminating the need for real-time calculations or manual verification during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If RFID technology is used for instrument identification and control, then operational setting accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational setting accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

RFID tags serve as intermediaries that carry encoded information about instrument type, consumable compatibility, and operational settings. The control circuit communicates with these tags to automatically retrieve and apply the appropriate operational parameters, ensuring accuracy while reducing the need for complex manual configuration systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise control of surgical instruments based on their type, compatible consumable devices, and user authentication, enhancing safety and performance by ensuring proper functioning and compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

a radio frequency identification (RFID) system that includes an RFID scanner and an RFID tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12458455B2Surgical RFID assemblies for instrument operational setting control
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
  • US12458455B2 patent drawing
  • US12458455B2 patent drawing
  • US12458455B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system for a surgical instrument. The control system includes an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to receive data from RFID tags associated with devices and/or users, determine a type of the surgical instrument being utilized or surgical procedure being performed according to the received data, and determine an operational setting for the surgical instrument or another device within the surgical system, which may be tailored according to the particular user identity scanned by the RFID scanner.