Segmented Surgical Instrument Circuit for Power Sequencing and Fault Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution and ensuring safety during complex surgical procedures, particularly in robotic and minimally invasive surgeries, where precise control and fault detection are critical.

Innovation Solution

A segmented circuit system is implemented, comprising a safety processor and primary processor, with various segments for power management, sensor integration, and fault detection, ensuring efficient power distribution and safe operation of surgical instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a segmented circuit system is implemented with multiple processors and segments for comprehensive power management and fault detection, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and fault detection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit segmentation and processor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into multiple segments with distinct functions: a first segment handles power management and a second segment handles control operations. This segmentation allows independent monitoring and fault isolation, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A watchdog timer is introduced as an intermediary component that monitors the operational status of other circuit segments and processors. This mediator detects faults independently and can trigger safety responses, enhancing reliability without requiring complex inter-processor communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If sequential energization of circuit segments is implemented with watchdog timing, then power management efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidsequential control and timing synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The watchdog timer is configured with predetermined time intervals that are set in advance during system design. These pre-configured timing parameters control the sequential energization of circuit segments, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and simplifying control while maintaining power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The watchdog timer autonomously monitors and controls the sequential activation of circuit segments without requiring continuous external intervention. Once configured, the system self-regulates power distribution timing, reducing control complexity while improving energy management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12569247B2Systems and methods for controlling a segmented circuit

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a surgical instrument. The method includes connecting a power assembly to a control circuit, wherein the power assembly is configured to provide a source voltage, energizing, by the power assembly, a voltage boost convertor circuit configured to provide a set voltage greater than the source voltage, and energizing, by the voltage boost convertor, one or more voltage convertors configured to provide one or more operating voltages to one or more circuit components.