Smart Sensor Signal Processing for Precise Surgical Stapling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue due to limitations in power management, sensor integration, and articulation mechanisms, which affect precision and reliability during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with an interchangeable shaft assembly and advanced power management system, incorporating smart sensors and a segmented circuit for precise control, enables efficient stapling and cutting by optimizing power distribution and articulation, while ensuring reliable operation through redundant sensor systems and adaptive control algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical instruments use advanced sensor integration and segmented circuits for precise control, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into multiple segmented circuits that can be independently controlled and powered. Each segment can be activated only when needed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high measurement precision through localized sensing and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant sensors are integrated with feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor tissue properties and adjust instrument parameters in real-time. This feedback system enhances measurement precision by compensating for variations and improving reliability through cross-validation of sensor data.
2Reliability
If surgical instruments implement redundant sensor systems and adaptive control algorithms, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Redundant sensors are pre-installed and calibrated to provide backup measurement capabilities before failures occur. These redundant elements remain in standby mode, ready to take over if primary sensors fail, thereby enhancing reliability without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Adaptive control algorithms automatically adjust instrument parameters based on real-time sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates power distribution, sensor activation, and control parameters, improving reliability through consistent automated monitoring while keeping the user interface simple.
3Use of energy by moving object
If surgical instruments optimize power distribution through segmented circuits, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into segmented circuits that can be independently controlled. Each circuit segment supplies power only to active components, allowing the instrument to operate with minimal power consumption during low-activity phases while maintaining readiness for high-power operations when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors and control systems are activated in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The segmented circuits enable rapid switching between active and standby states, optimizing energy efficiency by powering components only during their required operational windows while maintaining system responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A device including smart sensors with a local signal processor is disclosed. The device includes an end-effector including at least one sensor and a signal processing component corresponding to the at least one sensor; and a handle configured to receive processed information from the signal processing component. The processed information is generated by the signal processing component at the end-effector based on data received from the at least one sensor at the end-effector.