Surgical Generator Wireless Channels for Cable-Free Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical systems face challenges with operability and maneuverability due to cabling, and there is a need for improved flexibility and registration of licenses for medical devices with separate functionalities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a surgical device system with wireless communication channels, including a first communication channel for operational data exchange using IEEE 802.11 (WIFI), Bluetooth, or ZigBee, and a second communication channel using NFC or RFID for device identification and setup, along with a wireless license tag for secure license registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cabling is used for communication between surgical system components, then reliable data exchange is achieved, but operability and maneuverability deteriorate due to bulkiness and operational constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidoperability and maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with wireless communication systems (WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee for data transmission; NFC, RFID for identification and setup). This substitution eliminates the physical cables that constrain movement and improve maneuverability while maintaining communication reliability through established wireless protocols and security measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented for improved maneuverability, then operability improves, but communication security and channel establishment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidcommunication channel establishment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary devices and protocols to manage wireless communication complexity. NFC and RFID tags act as intermediaries for secure device identification and authentication. Pre-programmed communication channel parameters serve as intermediaries to streamline connection establishment, reducing the complexity burden on users while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Communication channel parameters are pre-programmed in both the supplementary device and wireless communication interface before actual use. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of real-time channel establishment and enhances the ease of operation during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate functionalities are added to medical devices, then device versatility improves, but license registration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidlicense registration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service license registration through wireless communication between the medical device and licensing authority. The device automatically handles license key generation, validation, and registration processes without requiring manual intervention or complex user procedures, thereby simplifying the user experience while supporting multiple functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances flexibility and reduces bulkiness while ensuring secure and efficient communication and license management in surgical systems, improving operational safety and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

wireless communication interface...establish a first communication channel for exchanging operational data...establish a second communication channel for exchanging first communication channel parameters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The second communication channel may be a Near Field Communication 'NFC' channel. The second communication channel may be a Radio Frequency Identification 'RFID' channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250299552A1Surgical device system, method of operating the same, and wireless license tag

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH

AI summary

A surgical device system, and methods for operating a surgical device system, includes: at least one surgical instrument, a surgical generator for providing surgical energy to at least one surgical instrument, and at least one supplementary device for providing a supplementary function to at least one of the surgical generator and/or the at least one surgical instrument; the surgical generator being configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one supplementary device, wherein the surgical generator and the at least one supplementary device are configured to establish a first communication channel for exchanging operational data, the first communication being defined by a number of first communication channel parameters; and wherein the surgical generator the at least one supplementary device are configured to establish a second communication channel for exchanging first communication channel parameters.