Surgical Object Container With Optical Sensor Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical object monitoring systems are prone to errors in tracking and locating surgical objects like sponges within patients and fail to monitor fluid loss during surgical procedures, relying on manual counting or complex and expensive RFID/barcode systems.
Innovation Solution
A disposable container system with a self-expanding flexible bag and optical sensor ring for automated tracking and sorting of surgical objects, using infrared beams and a load cell for accurate counting and fluid content estimation, integrated with a user-friendly touch screen interface for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual counting of surgical objects is used, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but tracking accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated optical sensing system. Optical sensors detect surgical objects (sponges, gauze) by detecting their presence, material properties, or RFID tags, automatically updating the count without human intervention. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining system simplicity through standardized sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-counting and self-tracking of surgical objects. The optical sensors and RFID readers automatically detect objects as they enter or leave the surgical field, continuously updating the inventory without requiring manual verification. The system serves itself by autonomously maintaining accurate counts through automated detection mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If RFID devices and barcodes are used for tracking, then object identification capability improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using RFID tags or barcodes only on specific surgical objects that require enhanced tracking, rather than all objects. The optical sensors provide basic detection for all objects, while RFID/barcode readers provide supplementary identification only when needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise identification capability for critical items.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensing system serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of surgical objects, determines their material properties through optical characteristics, and can identify tagged objects via RFID or barcode integration. This multi-functional approach consolidates detection, identification, and monitoring capabilities into a single system, reducing the need for separate specialized devices.
3Loss of information
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then object tracking is attempted, but fluid loss monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system provides universal monitoring capability by detecting both surgical objects and fluid losses through the same sensor platform. The sensors can identify objects by their optical properties and simultaneously detect fluid characteristics such as color, transparency, or flow, enabling dual functionality without requiring separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges object tracking and fluid monitoring functions into a single integrated system. The optical sensors that track surgical objects also detect fluid properties by analyzing light interaction with the fluid, combining multiple monitoring capabilities into one unified platform that reduces system complexity while expanding 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 system provides reliable and efficient tracking and sorting of surgical objects, minimizing errors and accurately monitoring fluid loss during surgical procedures, ensuring safe disposal and reducing manual handling risks.
Implementation Method 1
using infrared beams and a load cell for accurate counting
Implementation Method 2
using infrared beams and a load cell for accurate counting and fluid content estimation
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (101) for a system, method, and computer readable storage medium, for monitoring at least one of surgical object and fluid placed into the container are provided. The container includes a rigid top member (103) including at least one port opening (206) therein, having a recessed portion (902) of the underside of the rigid top member (103) along an outer perimeter, a rigid retaining ring (706) sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the recessed portion along the outer perimeter, and a flexible bag body (102) having an open top portion and a sealed bottom portion, an outer perimeter of the open top portion being folded over (704) the rigid retaining ring, the rigid retaining ring with the folded over perimeter of the open top portion of the flexible bag body being mated and locked in the recessed portion of the underside of the rigid top member along the outer perimeter in a fluid-tight seal arrangement.