Modular Surgical Attachment Wireless UART Link for Rotating Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments and robots lack efficient and reliable communication methods for transmitting UART communications over short-range wireless connections, which is crucial for seamless operation and control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a modular attachment for surgical instruments that enables wireless communication between the end effector and the handle assembly using a secure short-range wireless (SRW) connection, facilitated by a communication bus and induction power transfer circuit, allowing for UART encoding and decoding of signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented for transmitting UART communications between surgical instruments and robots, then operational control and coordination are enhanced, but communication reliability and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure remote wireless communication module that acts as an intermediary between the surgical instrument and the control system. This module establishes a secure wireless connection through authenticated pairing, where the handle assembly and surgical instrument form a trusted communication network. The intermediary module encrypts and manages the UART communication data stream, ensuring that operational control is maintained while communication reliability and security are protected through authenticated wireless protocols.
2Productivity
If modular attachment with SRW connection is used, then coordination between components is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication bus that serves multiple functions within the surgical instrument system. The same communication bus handles both power transmission and data communication (UART) between the handle assembly and the surgical instrument. The secure remote wireless communication module also performs dual roles: establishing secure wireless connections and managing the communication protocol. This multi-functionality improves coordination efficiency while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components, thereby controlling device complexity.
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 and efficient transmission of UART communications, enhancing the operational control and coordination between surgical instruments and robots, thereby improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a secure short-range wireless (SRW) connection, facilitated by a communication bus and induction power transfer circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a modular surgical instrument, comprising a handle assembly comprising a handle assembly control circuit and a modular attachment. The modular attachment comprises a nozzle, and a shaft extending distally from the nozzle, the shaft defining a central longitudinal axis. The modular attachment further comprises an end effector distal to the shaft, the end effector comprising a sensor array. The modular attachment further comprises a modular attachment control circuit communicably coupled to the sensor array, and physically coupled to the shaft. The modular attachment control circuit is configured to rotate with the shaft relative to the handle assembly about the central longitudinal axis. The modular attachment control circuit is configured for wireless communication with the handle assembly control circuit.