Shaft-Integrated Tool Working-End Detection With Low-Power Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the medical field, there is a lack of automatic and/or automatically documented end of work determination or recognition for tools and instruments, leading to difficulties in identifying suitable tools for specific applications, tracking inventory, and providing customized logistics.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a working end determination device that includes a low-power communication device, such as RFID or Bluetooth Low Energy, integrated into the handle or shaft, allowing for automatic recognition and data transmission of the tool's working end, enabling inventory management, usage tracking, and customized logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If labels or stickers are used to identify tools, then tool identification is possible, but automatic recognition and data transmission cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual label reading and manual documentation with automated electronic identification. A microelectronic identification element (chip) is integrated into the tool, which can be automatically read by a reading device in the handpiece, eliminating the need for manual label inspection and automaticaly transmitting tool data to the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microelectronic identification element as an intermediary between the tool and the control system. This chip contains tool-specific data and enables automatic communication between the tool and the control unit through a reading device, serving as a mediator that facilitates automated recognition without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual identification using labels is used, then no additional detection devices are needed, but productivity and efficiency are reduced due to manual documentation
Solution Approach 1:
The tool performs self-identification through the integrated microelectronic identification element. When the tool is inserted into the handpiece, the reading device automatically reads the chip data and transmits it to the control unit without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically providing tool identification and data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the control unit receives automatic data from the tool's identification element, processes it, and can provide feedback by controlling the operation of the tool or handpiece based on the identified tool characteristics, enabling optimized and adaptive operation.
3Loss of information
If no automatic detection system is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of information occurs regarding tool usage and inventory status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores tool-specific data, usage information, and inventory status in advance within the microelectronic identification element and memory devices. This preliminary data storage ensures that all necessary information is available before it is needed, preventing information loss and enabling immediate access to tool and usage data.
Solution Approach 2:
The microelectronic identification element serves multiple functions: it stores tool identification data, usage information, inventory status, and can communicate with various systems (control unit, external devices). This multi-functionality consolidates multiple data management tasks into a single integrated solution.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool (10) having a working end determining device (20; 100) arranged in a shaft region or gripping region (30) thereof for determining and/or detecting a working end of the tool (10), wherein the working end determining device (20, 100) includes a writable and/or readable data storage device (12; 102) which is configured to store at least data relating to the working end of the tool (10) in at least a first memory area, and wherein the working end determining device (20; 100) is arranged to provide the data externally with reference to the working end of the tool (10) for detecting the working end of the tool. The working end determining device (20; 100) can be a communication device (20) with low power consumption, which comprises at least the data storage device (12) and an antenna device (14). Alternatively, the working end determining device (20; 100) can be a unit (100) integrated into the tool (10), wherein said unit can be connected via an electrical contacting (104) in a handpiece region of the tool (10) to an external control device, wherein the unit (100) integrated into the tool (10) comprises a resistor determining the working end of the tool and/or a storage device (102) storing data with respect to the working end.