Non-contact ID Recognition for Surgical Manipulator Working Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manipulator systems for laparoscopic surgery face challenges in identifying and managing different working units without electrical contacts, which complicates the attachment and detachment processes, and hinders the tracking of usage history across multiple controllers.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator system with a non-contact ID recognition system using a two-dimensional image code or RFID, where the ID holder is on the working unit and the ID recognizer is on the actuator unit, allowing for identification and communication without electrical contacts, enabling easy sterilization and management of usage history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical contacts are used for ID recognition in working units, then identification accuracy is improved, but ease of sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical contacts with an optical identification system. A two-dimensional code (optical pattern) is provided on the working unit, and an optical reader in the actuator unit reads this code to identify the working unit. This substitution eliminates electrical contacts from the working unit, enabling complete sterilization while maintaining accurate identification through optical scanning of the code pattern.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used in the manipulator system, then system versatility is improved, but tracking usage history deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical identification system not only identifies the working unit but also retrieves and transmits its usage history. When a working unit is attached to any controller, the optical reader scans the two-dimensional code, which contains or links to usage history data. This data is fed back to the controller, ensuring continuous tracking across multiple controllers without information loss.
3Reliability
If electrical contacts are used for communication between working unit and actuator unit, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical contact-based communication with an optical communication system. The two-dimensional code serves as the communication medium, containing identification and usage data. The optical reader in the actuator unit scans this code to transmit data wirelessly (optically) between the working unit and actuator unit, eliminating the need for electrical contacts and associated connectors, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable data 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 reliable identification and control of surgical tools during minimally invasive surgery, facilitates easy sterilization of working units, and ensures accurate tracking of usage history across controllers, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the ID recognizer being not in contact with the ID holder
Data Source
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AI summary
A manipulator system comprises a manipulator (10) and a controller (514) therefor. The manipulator (10) comprises an actuator unit (30) containing an actuator (40, 41, 42), and a working unit (16) attachable to and detachable from the actuator unit (30) and containing a shaft (48) and an end working portion (12) disposed at an distal end of the shaft (48). The end working portion (12) is rotated in conjunction with the actuator (40, 41, 42) around an axis non-parallel to the shaft (48). The working unit (16) comprises an ID holder (104) for holding an identification signal. The actuator unit (30) comprises an ID recognizer (106) for recognizing the identification signal in the ID holder (104) and supplying the identification signal to the controller (514). The ID recognizer (106) is not in contact with the ID holder (104). The controller (514) controls the working unit (16) based on the supplied identification signal. The ID holder (104) comprises an indicating means for holding the identification signal as image information, and the ID recognizer (106) comprises an image-capturing means for capturing an image of the indicating means.