Surgical Instrument Loading Unit Recognition During Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face inconvenience in operation and high misjudgment risk due to the need for separate RFID scanning for loading unit recognition, which can lead to incorrect identification of the loading unit type.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a recognition portion in the handle assembly that includes a sliding member and trigger members to identify the loading unit type through electrical branch conduction or cutoff based on the loading unit's feature, reducing the need for separate scanning and minimizing misidentification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID scanning recognition method is used to identify loading unit type, then the control unit can obtain type information, but the operation steps increase and misjudgment risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the loading unit insertion action with the type recognition function into a single integrated process. The loading unit itself serves as the recognition element through its structural features (protrusions, recesses, conductive elements), eliminating the need for separate RFID scanning operations. This merging of functions reduces operation steps while maintaining reliable identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading unit performs self-identification through its own structural characteristics. The recognition portion on the loading unit automatically engages with corresponding detection elements in the handle assembly during insertion, enabling the system to identify the loading unit type without external scanning devices or additional operational steps.
2Loss of information
If RFID chip is attached to loading unit and scanned before insertion, then type information can be obtained, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates recognition features directly into the loading unit structure during manufacturing, so that the type identification capability is already prepared and embedded. When the loading unit is inserted, the pre-configured structural features immediately engage with the detection elements, eliminating the need for time-consuming scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic RFID scanning system with a mechanical recognition system. The structural features of the loading unit (protrusions, recesses, conductive elements) mechanically engage with corresponding detection elements during insertion, providing type information through physical interaction rather than electromagnetic communication.
3Reliability
If separate scanning and insertion steps are required, then RFID recognition can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the recognition function from a separate scanning system and integrates it directly into the loading unit structure. The recognition portion is built into the loading unit itself through structural features, eliminating the need for separate RFID readers, antennas, and control software, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable identification.
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 solution allows convenient and accurate recognition of the loading unit type during assembly, reducing operation steps and minimizing misjudgment risk.
Implementation Method 1
the first sliding member is configured for being actuated by the loading unit during assembling of the loading unit, so as to be moved to a predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
each of the first response members is configured for cooperating with the first trigger member to conducting or cut off first electrical branches
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A surgical instrument, comprising an elongated body assembly (100) adapted for being attached with a loading unit (200), wherein the loading unit may have various types. The elongated body assembly (100) is provided with a loading unit type recognition portion (100a) comprising: a first sliding member (101), configured for being actuated by the loading unit (200) during assembling of the loading unit, so as to be moved to a predetermined position; a first trigger member (102) arranged on the first sliding member (101); a first circuit board (103), the first circuit board (103) being provided with at least two first response members (104), and each first response member (104) being configured to cooperate with the first trigger member (102) to conduct or cut off one first electrical branch (A1), and each of the first electrical branches (A1) may have a different load value; and a controller configured to determine the type of the loading unit (200) according to a feedback signal from the first circuit board (103).