Surgical Equipment Socket Plug-Type Detection for Secure Instrument Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical equipment sockets and generators lack a reliable and compact solution for distinguishing between different types of surgical instruments and ensuring secure connections, which is crucial for safety and error-free surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical equipment socket with movable indicator assemblies and detection elements that differentiate between different surgical instrument plugs, using rotational and linear movements, and switches or sensors for reliable detection, allowing for secure and efficient connection verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detection elements and movable assemblies are added to distinguish different surgical instruments, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent indicator assemblies (first indicator assembly with first movable element, second indicator assembly with second movable element), each capable of independently detecting specific plug types. This segmentation allows precise differentiation of surgical instruments while keeping each individual detection element relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator assemblies use movable elements that can dynamically change position (between first position and second position) based on plug insertion. This dynamic response provides clear visual feedback for detection without requiring complex fixed sensing mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between detection precision and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If indicator assemblies with movable elements are implemented to detect plug insertion, then reliability of connection detection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable elements in the indicator assemblies are designed to automatically respond to plug insertion through mechanical interaction. The plugs themselves activate the detection mechanism by their presence and positioning, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex electronic sensing systems. This self-service approach enhances reliability while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator assemblies provide visual feedback through positional changes that can be associated with different states (inserted/not inserted, correct/incorrect plug type). This visual indication system enhances reliability of connection detection without requiring complex electronic displays or sensors, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
3Loss of information
If multiple indicator assemblies are used to differentiate between different surgical instrument plugs, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different surgical instrument plug types are detected by separate, segmented indicator assemblies (first indicator assembly for first plug type, second indicator assembly for second plug type). Each assembly provides independent information about its specific detection target, ensuring complete instrument identification without requiring a single complex detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed with universal capability to accept and detect multiple different plug types through its multiple indicator assemblies. Each indicator assembly can detect its specific plug type, and the combination provides comprehensive instrument identification. This multi-functional design reduces information loss about instrument type while avoiding the need for entirely separate detection systems for each instrument type.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical equipment socket (100) for a surgical generator (10) for connecting surgical instruments, a surgical system (1) and a method for detecting the use of a surgical instrument in a surgical system. The surgical equipment socket comprises a first indicator assembly (210) having a first movable element (220), and a first detection element (230); wherein the first movable element is movable from a free position to a mated position, and wherein the first detection element (230) is adapted to detect whether the first movable element (220) is in the mated position.