Wireless Surgical Probe Display for Reliable Cable-Free Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical radiation detection instrumentation is limited by flexible cables that restrict user flexibility, risk contamination, and are prone to entanglement or inadequate sterilization, while existing wireless systems require external adapters that can be lost or cause connector wear.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system between a handheld probe and a console, utilizing Bluetooth technology, with integrated data links and self-correction mechanisms to ensure reliable data transfer, eliminating the need for external adapters and reducing connector wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible cable is used to connect the probe and console, then data transfer is established, but user flexibility is restricted and contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoiduser flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the flexible cable connection from the system by implementing a wireless communication link between the probe and console. This extraction of the physical cable eliminates the constraints it imposed on user movement and positioning while maintaining the essential data transfer function through wireless Bluetooth technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based data transfer system with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. By substituting the physical mechanical connection with Bluetooth wireless technology, the system maintains reliable data transfer while eliminating the physical constraints and contamination risks associated with cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a flexible cable is used to connect the probe and console, then data transfer is established, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the flexible cable from the system, thereby eliminating the potential contamination pathway that the cable represented. By extracting this physical connection, the system prevents bacteria and contaminants from being introduced into the sterile surgical field while maintaining wireless data transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. This substitution eliminates the physical medium that could carry contaminants, thereby removing the contamination risk entirely while preserving the data transfer function through Bluetooth technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If external adapters are used for wireless communication, then cable-free operation is achieved, but adapter loss and connector wear occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable-free operationVSAvoidconnector reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the wireless communication capability directly into the probe housing, eliminating the need for separate external adapters. By merging the Bluetooth transceiver and antenna into the probe itself, the system achieves cable-free operation without requiring removable components that could be lost or cause connector wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe is designed to be self-sufficient with built-in wireless communication capabilities, including an integrated antenna and Bluetooth transceiver. This self-service design eliminates the need for external adapters or additional connectors, allowing the probe to maintain cable-free operation independently without risking adapter loss or connector degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3877783B1Surgical probe and apparatus with improved graphical display
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC
  • EP3877783B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3877783B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3877783B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for detecting a locating medium in tissue includes a probe, and a console. The probe includes a handle and a detector disposed on a distal end of the probe. The console is in communication and includes a display. The display has a first graphical representation and a second graphical representation. The first graphical representation is configured to depict a count real-time count based on a signal from the detector. The second graphical representation is configured to depict a target count.