Surgical Cutting Accessory Encapsulated RFID Chip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical tool systems have cumbersome coupling assemblies that require complex mechanisms for accessory attachment and detachment, leading to increased time and cost, and the integration of inductive signal transfer components necessitates lengthening the handpiece, which increases size and weight, contradicting the goal of minimizing these factors for ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool system with a handpiece that incorporates a simplified coupling assembly using a plastic collet and metal locking ring, allowing for quick accessory exchange without rotating the accessory, and integrates an RFID chip with a coil for inductive signal transfer within a compact design, minimizing the number of components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex coupling assembly with multiple components is used, then the accessory can be securely attached and detached, but the time required for accessory exchange increases and the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into two independent parts: a handpiece component and an accessory component. Each part has a simplified structure with fewer components, allowing for quick attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection through the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is pre-configured with alignment features and engagement mechanisms that automatically align and secure the accessory to the handpiece without requiring complex manual manipulation or multiple steps during accessory exchange
2Loss of information
If a coil is integrated into the handpiece for inductive signal transfer, then data communication between handpiece and accessory is enabled, but the handpiece length and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil for inductive signal transfer is integrated within the existing handpiece structure, nesting the communication component within the housing to minimize additional space and weight. The coil is positioned to work with the accessory's coil without requiring external extension
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is designed to accommodate multiple functions within its existing structure, including the coil for inductive communication, the coupling assembly, and power transmission mechanisms, all integrated into a single compact unit rather than adding separate external components
3Loss of information
If the handpiece is lengthened to accommodate inductive signal transfer components, then inductive data transfer is enabled, but the overall size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive signal transfer coil is nested within the handpiece housing, utilizing existing internal space rather than requiring external extension. This allows the handpiece to maintain its original compact length while incorporating the necessary communication functionality
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 solution enables rapid accessory changes with reduced manipulation, lowers the overall weight of the handpiece, and maintains a compact size while facilitating inductive data transfer, addressing the inefficiencies and bulk issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A coil is provided in the distal end of the handpiece so that there can be inductive signal transfer between it and a complementary coil in the adjacent proximal end of the associated cutting accessory
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.