Robotic Surgical Tool NFC Authentication for Sterile Barrier Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic surgical systems face challenges in establishing secure communication and power transfer with surgical tools due to the sterile barrier and electrical passivity of the tools, making conventional wired connections undesirable.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing near-field communication (NFC) modules embedded in both the surgical robot and tools to establish a wireless communication link for data and power transfer, enabling authentication and secure data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wired connections (serial ports, Ethernet, wire connections) are used for communication between surgical tool and robotic system, then reliable data transfer is achieved, but the sterile barrier is violated and electrical passivity of the tool is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsterile barrier violation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless NFC-based communication system. The NFC reader in the robotic system and NFC tag in the surgical tool enable data transfer without physical contact, eliminating the need to penetrate the sterile barrier while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces NFC technology as an intermediary between the robotic system and surgical tool. The NFC reader and tag act as mediators that enable power and data transfer through electromagnetic fields without requiring direct electrical contact or opening the sterile barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If NFC modules with microcontroller and memory are embedded in both robotic arm and surgical tool, then secure authentication and data exchange are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidmodule complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs NFC tags in the surgical tools that can be simple, low-cost, and potentially disposable components. These tags contain minimal processing capability just sufficient for authentication, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC modules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they enable wireless power transfer, data communication, and authentication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If surgical tool is made electrically passive to maintain sterility, then sterile barrier integrity is preserved, but power source for communication and control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterile barrier integrityVSAvoidtool power source

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for an electrical power source in the passive surgical tool with wireless power transfer via NFC electromagnetic fields. The tool remains electrically passive with no internal power source, yet receives power wirelessly through the NFC connection established during attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates secure and efficient data transfer and authentication between the robotic surgical system and tools, ensuring seamless integration and operation of surgical tools during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

using near-field communication (NFC) to facilitate the transfer of data and power between a robotic surgical system and a surgical tool attached to the robotic surgical system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12357423B2Enabling secure data exchange between a robotic surgical system and surgical tools via near field communication (NFC)

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 AURIS HEALTH INC

AI summary

In this patent disclosure, various embodiments of using near-field communication (NFC) to facilitate secure data exchange between a robotic surgical system and a surgical tool attached onto the robotic surgical system are disclosed. In one aspect, a process for enabling secure data exchange between a robotic surgical system and a surgical tool begins by detecting a coupling of the surgical tool onto the robotic surgical system. The process next establishes an NFC link between a first NFC module embedded in the robotic surgical system and a second NFC module embedded in the surgical tool. The process then determines whether the surgical tool is authenticated to the robotic surgical system via the NFC link. Next, in response to the authentication of the surgical tool, the process establishes secure data exchange between the robotic surgical system and the surgical tool.