Wireless Power Transfer for Intrabody Surgical Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques and robotic instruments face limitations in dexterity and vision due to the need for multiple incisions and lack of continuous power supply, restricting maneuverability and access during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A power transfer system comprising a power transmitting unit outside the body and a power receiving unit on an intrabody instrument, enabling wireless, continuous, and non-interrupted power transfer using inductive coupling or RF methodologies, with an energy storage unit for backup power and data communication capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional robotic instruments are used in minimally invasive surgery, then surgical access is improved through small incisions, but continuous power supply is lost and dexterity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical accessVSAvoidcontinuous power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wired power connections with wireless electromagnetic energy transfer. The transmitting unit outside the body communicates with the receiving unit on the intrabody instrument through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical cables that would compromise the minimally invasive approach while providing continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the external transmitting unit and the internal receiving unit. This intermediary enables power transmission through the body wall without requiring direct mechanical contact or additional incisions, thus maintaining surgical access benefits while ensuring reliable power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple incisions are made for auxiliary views and instrument access, then surgical vision and dexterity are improved, but patient trauma and recovery time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical vision and dexterityVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the intrabody instrument multi-functional by equipping it with both power receiving capabilities and sensing/actuation functions. The single instrument can perform multiple surgical tasks including cutting, suturing, and sensing while receiving power wirelessly, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and incisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds the dimension of wireless power capability to the intrabody instrument, transforming it from a passive tool to an actively powered device. This dimensional addition enables the instrument to perform complex functions within a single incision, reducing the need for multiple access points and minimizing patient trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If wired power connections are used for robotic instruments, then continuous power is provided, but surgical maneuverability and access are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous powerVSAvoidsurgical maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical cable connections with electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer. This replacement eliminates the physical constraints imposed by cables on instrument movement while maintaining continuous power delivery to the intrabody instrument throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances the dexterity and vision of surgical robotic instruments by providing continuous power and data communication, allowing for more efficient and versatile minimally invasive surgical procedures with reduced need for additional incisions and improved surgical control.

Implementation Method 1

The power may be wirelessly transferred by using inductive coupling power transfer methodologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the power may be wirelessly transferred by using radio frequency (RF) power transfer methodologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency power transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10340985B2System and method for transferring power to intrabody instruments

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A system and method for transferring power includes a power transmitting unit for transmitting power and a power receiving unit for receiving power from the power transmitting unit. The power transmitting unit may be positioned outside a human body and the power receiving unit is located on an intrabody instrument adapted to be movable from the outside of the human body to inside the human body. The intrabody instrument may be a medical instrument connected to or incorporated within a robotic arm. The power transmitting unit may wirelessly transfer power to the power receiving unit in a continuous, non-interrupted manner.