Surgical Instrument Wireless Charging and Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack an efficient and integrated solution for internal power management, wireless communication, and remote monitoring, which limits their functionality and maintenance capabilities in endoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with an internal power source, modular end effectors, and wireless communication capabilities, including a control module, power source, and communication device that allows for real-time feedback and remote diagnostics, enabling secure and efficient operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are made cordless with internal power sources, then mobility and ease of operation are improved, but power management complexity and reliability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates self-charging capabilities through wireless power transfer technology. The instrument automatically recharges when docked at a charging station, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement or complex power management operations by the user. This self-service approach maintains mobility while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station serves multiple functions: it charges the instrument battery, stores the instrument when not in use, and provides wireless communication for data transfer and diagnostics. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate devices into one integrated solution, reducing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If wireless communication capabilities are added to surgical instruments, then real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics are improved, but device complexity and potential interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module is integrated into the existing instrument architecture, sharing physical space and control resources with other instrument systems. The charging station also houses the communication interface, combining charging and data transfer functions in one location. This merging approach enables real-time monitoring without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system implements real-time feedback loops for monitoring instrument status, battery charge levels, and operational parameters. This automated feedback mechanism provides continuous information transfer between the instrument and external systems, reducing information loss while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized communication protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular end effectors are implemented, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into distinct modular components, including interchangeable end effectors that can be attached and detached from the main instrument body. This segmentation allows different end effectors to be used for different surgical tasks while maintaining a common platform, improving versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The main instrument body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of end effectors through standardized interfaces. This universal design enables a single instrument to perform multiple surgical functions by simply changing the end effector module, enhancing adaptability while controlling complexity through platform standardization.
4Ease of operation
If internal power sources are used instead of external power connections, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but power capacity and duration of action are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates automatic self-charging capability that activates when the instrument is docked at the charging station. This self-service charging mechanism ensures the battery is continuously recharged without requiring user intervention, extending the effective operational duration while maintaining mobility during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed to maintain continuous battery charge availability. The instrument can be quickly recharged during non-operative periods, and the charging station provides ongoing power replenishment. This continuity approach ensures the instrument remains operational for extended periods without interrupting the useful action of surgical procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises an electrically power surgical instrument having a handle assembly. The apparatus also comprises a communication device positioned within the handle assembly. The communication device is operable to communicate with at least a portion of the electrically powered surgical instrument. The apparatus further comprises an external device in wireless communication with the communication device. The external device is operable to receive information from the communication device and the external device is operable to provide an output viewable to the user.