Surgical End Effector Connectors for Separate Fluid and Data Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices lack efficient and independent fluid and electrical communication systems that allow for seamless integration with consoles, leading to challenges in cleaning, data transmission, and sensor feedback, particularly in reusable handpieces.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with a fluid and communication assembly that includes a cable with a connection plug to establish independent fluid and electrical communication between a surgical end effector and a console, allowing for separate control of fluid flow and electrical signals without relying on the handpiece, featuring a cassette for fluid pumping and electronics communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluid and electrical communication are integrated through the handpiece, then the system structure is simplified, but cleaning efficiency deteriorates and data transmission reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into separate fluid communication path and electrical communication path. The fluid communication assembly includes fluid lines connecting the console to the end effector, while the electrical communication assembly includes separate cables and connectors for data and power transmission. This segmentation allows the handpiece to be cleaned without disassembling communication lines, improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining structured system design.
2Device complexity
If fluid and electrical communication share the same pathway, then device complexity is reduced, but data transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate communication assemblies: a fluid communication assembly with dedicated fluid lines for irrigation and suction, and an electrical communication assembly with separate cables for power and data transmission. This segmentation prevents fluid interference with electrical signals, ensuring reliable data transmission while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces separate connectors and cable assemblies as intermediaries between the console and end effector for electrical communication, distinct from the fluid communication pathway. These intermediary components isolate electrical signals from fluid environments, preventing corrosion and signal interference, thereby ensuring reliable data transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the handpiece integrates all communication functions, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the console with universal communication capabilities that can accommodate multiple end effector types through separate standardized fluid and electrical communication interfaces. The independent communication assemblies allow the system to be configured for different surgical applications by connecting different end effectors without modifying the core communication architecture, enhancing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical system includes a surgical end effector (220) and a fluid and communication assembly. The surgical end effector is configured to releasably engage a surgical handpiece (210), includes electronics and a proximal hub (230) having a connection port (232) disposed thereon, and defines a fluid flow path. The fluid and communication assembly includes a cable (360) and a connection plug disposed at a distal end portion of the cable. The cable includes a fluid line (234) and a communication line (238). The connection plug is configured to releasably engage the connection port to thereby establish fluid communication between the fluid line and the fluid flow path and to thereby establish electrical communication between the communication line and the electronics.