Surgical Robotic Arm Component Detection with Segmented RFID Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RFID tracking methods in surgical robotic systems are prone to signal integrity issues during sterilization and mechanical loading, and cannot detect multiple components, identify component types, or provide status updates for correct placement and continuous monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication interface using RFID, Bluetooth, or NFC protocols to detect and read identification tags on surgical robotic arm components, with mechanical interlocking features and redundant electrical contacts, ensuring correct assembly and supporting data streaming from sensors for torque, force, proximity, and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If RFID tracking is used for component identification, then component detection capability is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates during sterilization and mechanical loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent detection capabilityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into multiple independent tags distributed across different components (IDU, SIM, instrument, access port). Each tag operates independently, so if one tag's signal is compromised during sterilization or mechanical loading, other tags remain functional, maintaining overall system reliability while preserving component detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the tags and the control system. This intermediary layer provides signal processing and error correction capabilities, buffering against signal integrity issues that occur during sterilization and mechanical loading, thus maintaining reliable component identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional RFID trackers are used, then component identification is enabled, but configurability and multi-component detection capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent identification capabilityVSAvoidconfigurability and multi-component detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tag system is designed with universal functionality to detect and identify multiple component types (IDU, SIM, instrument, access port, sterile drapes, stapler reloads, instrument adapters) simultaneously. Each tag contains configurable identification data that can be tailored to specific component types, enabling a single system to handle diverse surgical robotic components with different identification requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The identification system is dynamic and configurable rather than static. Tags can be programmed with different identification data based on component type, and the wireless communication interface can be configured to detect specific components in specific reading zones. This dynamic configurability allows the system to adapt to different surgical procedures and component configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If mechanical interlocking features are added for correct assembly, then assembly accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidmechanical interlocking features

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Mechanical interlocking features incorporate feedback mechanisms that provide tactile or visual confirmation when components are correctly assembled. The interlocking features are designed to naturally guide components into proper alignment and provide a detectable state (such as a click or position sensor signal) that confirms correct assembly, reducing the need for complex external verification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures accurate component placement, supports simultaneous detection of multiple components, and provides continuous monitoring of sensor data, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of surgical robotic systems.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless communication interface using RFID, Bluetooth, or NFC protocols to detect and read identification tags on surgical robotic arm components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A wireless communication interface using RFID, Bluetooth, or NFC protocols to detect and read identification tags on surgical robotic arm components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250235274A1Component presence and identification in surgical robotic system

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A wireless communication interface is included in a surgical robotic arm and is used to detect various components of the robotic arm, including, an instrument drive unit, a sterile interface module (e.g., adapter), an instrument, an access port, etc. Detection of the components is used to confirm that each of the components are properly assembled by splitting up tag assemblies between multiple components, such that when the components are properly assembled, so are the tag assemblies, allowing for interrogation thereof by the wireless communication interface.