Surgical Instrument Handle Microcontroller Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments in noisy electrical environments face interference issues with high-frequency voltages and currents, affecting signal transmission between devices, limiting adjustment options and requiring complex shielding measures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a microcontroller in the surgical instrument's handle for data transmission via existing electrical lines, using differential signal transmission with paired wires to ensure reliable communication, and providing display and feedback mechanisms for operator control without radio links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless transmission (e.g., Bluetooth, 801.11) is used for data communication between surgical device and instrument, then data transmission capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from high-frequency voltages and currents in the operating room environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing electrical connection line as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of relying on wireless signals that are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, the system transmits data through the wired electrical connection between the surgical device and instrument, which serves as a shielded and stable communication channel in the noisy operating room environment.
2Reliability
If additional shielding measures are implemented to protect against electrical interference, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection line serves dual purposes: it provides both power/active medium transmission and data communication functions. By making the existing electrical cable serve itself as the communication medium, the system eliminates the need for separate shielded communication cables or additional protective shielding structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If wired transmission with serial bus or parallel bus is used, then reliability is improved compared to wireless, but device complexity increases due to additional cables and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits electrical power, delivers the active medium (electrical current or other media), and carries data signals for communication. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication cables and connectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of wired transmission.
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
Enables secure, high-data-rate transmission and extensive control options on the instrument, reducing interference and allowing for precise adjustments without additional shielding, enhancing operational efficiency in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one microcontroller, which is arranged in the handle of the surgical instrument and which communicates with the surgical device via the line that is already present between the surgical instrument and the surgical device without the interposition of a radio link
Implementation Method 2
using differential signal transmission with paired wires to ensure reliable communication
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The surgical instrument (12) comprises a handle (16), which is connected with a connector plug (14) through a cable (13) for connecting with a feeding surgery unit (11). A functional element (17) is provided, which is held by the handle and is supplied with an active medium from the feeding surgery unit through the cable. A microcontroller (24) is arranged in the handle and is connected with the operating elements (25). The microcontroller is supplied with electric energy through the cable and communicates data to the feeding surgery unit through a data communication.