Wireless Bi-Directional Communication in Surgical Battery Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered devices face limitations in simultaneous bi-directional communication between battery assemblies and target devices, relying on electrical contacts for both power transfer and communication, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless bi-directional communication system using a transformer configuration with phase shifting and amplitude modulation of power square waves to enable data transfer between a battery assembly and a portable surgical instrument or battery charger, allowing for simultaneous power transfer and data communication without physical contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contacts are used for both power transfer and communication, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but device complexity and contact wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transfer and communication functions by using separate electrical contacts - dedicated power contacts for power transfer and dedicated communication contacts for data exchange. This separation reduces contact wear on power contacts and eliminates communication interference, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication protocol that uses the dedicated communication contacts as an intermediary channel for data exchange during charging. This intermediary approach allows simultaneous power transfer and communication without interfering with each other, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Loss of information
If electrical contacts are used for communication, then data transfer is enabled, but communication reliability deteriorates due to electrical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segregates communication signals from power transfer signals by using separate dedicated communication contacts. This segmentation prevents electrical interference and noise from the power circuit from corrupting communication data, thereby maintaining both data transfer capability and communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dedicated communication protocol that uses the communication contacts as an isolated intermediary channel. This intermediary approach ensures that communication signals are transmitted through a dedicated path free from power-related electrical interference, enhancing communication reliability while maintaining full data transfer functionality.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but power transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-contact system with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic induction. This substitution eliminates the need for precise physical alignment and connection operations, significantly improving ease of operation. The system maintains acceptable power transfer efficiency through optimized coil design and control algorithms that minimize energy losses.
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
This solution enables efficient and simultaneous bi-directional communication and power transfer between battery assemblies and target devices, enhancing the functionality and convenience of battery-powered devices like surgical instruments and chargers by eliminating the need for physical electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The battery assembly includes a first winding and the portable surgical instrument includes a second winding. The first and second windings together form a transformer for transferring the electrical power from the battery assembly to the portable surgical instrument
Implementation Method 2
the communication of data in a direction from the battery assembly to the surgical instrument is performed by adjusting the transferred electrical power in a first manner and the communication of data in a direction from the surgical instrument to the battery assembly is performed by adjusting the transferred electrical power in a second, different manner
Implementation Method 3
the battery assembly is configured to transmit data to the portable surgical instrument in the first manner by shifting a phase of the transferred electrical power and the portable surgical instrument is configured to detect the phase shift and decode the transmitted data from the phase shift
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system and method is provided generally including a portable surgical instrument, a battery assembly, and a battery charger. The battery assembly is removably coupled to the portable surgical instrument and is configured to wirelessly transfer electrical power to the portable surgical instrument. The battery assembly is also removably couplable to the battery charger and is configured to wirelessly transfer electrical power to the battery charger and wirelessly receive electrical power from the battery charger. The portable surgical instrument and the battery charger are configured for simultaneous bi-directional communication of data with the battery assembly via the transferred or received electrical power.