Transponder Coupling Apparatus for Surgical Object Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical object tracking systems using transponders are inefficient due to manual counting methods and prone to errors, and existing transponder attachment methods can interfere with detection or fail to withstand sterilization processes, necessitating a cost-effective, accurate, and durable solution for coupling transponders to surgical objects.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising clamps and a housing with passageways that securely attach transponders to surgical objects, using adjustable fasteners and encapsulants to ensure accurate detection and withstand sterilization processes, while allowing for easy removal and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual counting methods are used to track surgical objects, then personnel training and time requirements are reduced, but accuracy and efficiency deteriorate due to human error and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidtime required for tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical counting methods with an automated wireless detection system that uses transponders attached to surgical objects. The system automatically detects and tracks objects through wireless signals, eliminating human involvement in the counting process and thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical objects themselves carry transponders that enable them to be automatically detected and tracked by the wireless system. The objects essentially identify themselves through their embedded transponders, eliminating the need for external manual tracking efforts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If transponders are attached to surgical objects using existing methods, then object tracking is enabled, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to interference from metallic objects acting as Faraday shields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated tracking capabilityVSAvoidtransponder detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a non-metallic apparatus as an intermediary between the transponder and the surgical object. This apparatus serves as a mounting structure that holds the transponder while preventing metallic interference, thereby maintaining wireless signal transmission accuracy while enabling automated tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with specific local properties - using non-metallic materials in the regions where wireless signals pass through, while allowing metallic components of the surgical object to remain in their functional positions. This localized material selection prevents Faraday shielding effects while maintaining object functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Extent of automation

If transponders are attached to surgical objects, then tracking capability is provided, but apparatus durability deteriorates when the attachment method cannot withstand sterilization processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidapparatus durability during sterilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is designed to withstand the extreme parameters of sterilization processes including high temperatures, chemical exposure, and radiation. The materials and construction methods are selected specifically to maintain structural integrity and functional properties under these harsh conditions, ensuring the transponder remains securely attached and operational after sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If a large number of transponders are deployed for comprehensive object tracking, then detection accuracy improves, but system cost increases due to the need for many inexpensive transponder-apparatus combinations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is designed to be inexpensive and potentially disposable, while the transponder itself is a reusable component. This allows for the deployment of multiple transponder-apparatus combinations across numerous surgical objects without prohibitive cost, enabling comprehensive tracking coverage. The apparatus can be discarded after use while the transponder is recovered and reused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10888394B2Apparatuses to physically couple transponder to objects, such as surgical objects, and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods to physically couple a transponder to a surgical object are provided. One example apparatus includes a first clamp comprising a first fastener and a first channel member that has a first base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the first base to form a first channel therebetween. The first fastener adjustably engages with the first channel member to securingly clamp a surgical object in the first channel of the first channel member. The apparatus further includes a housing that has at least a first cavity that receives at least a portion of the first pair of side portions of the first channel member, a first passageway that receives the first fastener and permits the first fastener to extend at least in part into the first cavity, and a second passageway to receive at least one transponder that wirelessly receives and returns signals.