Wireless UART Link for Rotating Surgical Tool Attachments

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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, particularly in the context of surgical robots and their robotic tool attachments.

Innovation Solution

A modular attachment for surgical instruments that enables UART communication over a security short-range wireless connection, utilizing a communication bus to connect a sensor array with a control circuit and allowing wireless communication with both internal and external devices, powered by an induction power transfer circuit and featuring a power control circuit with a one-time pull tab for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired communication is used for UART communication in surgical instruments, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to physical connection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The modular attachment includes a wireless communication interface that transmits UART communication wirelessly to the handle assembly, eliminating the need for physical connection between the modular attachment and handle while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the modular attachment and handle assembly. This intermediary component enables data transmission without direct physical contact, resolving the contradiction between reliable communication and connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented for UART communication, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and security deteriorate due to potential interference and security concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements security measures by changing the communication parameters, specifically using encrypted communication protocols and authentication mechanisms in the wireless UART interface. This ensures that wireless communication maintains reliability and security while providing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If power is continuously supplied to the modular attachment, then functionality is improved, but energy consumption and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power supply through induction power transfer. The power control circuit receives power wirelessly through electromagnetic induction only when needed for operation, rather than continuous power supply. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining functional availability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The modular attachment includes a power control circuit with a one-time pull tab that enables the user to activate power reception. Once activated, the system automatically manages power reception and consumption, reducing the need for continuous external power management while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If a pull tab mechanism is added for power control, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the safety control function into a separate, simple mechanical pull tab mechanism that is physically distinct from the electronic control systems. This one-time use pull tab provides a simple mechanical intervention point for safety control without adding complex electronic control mechanisms to the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Facilitates reliable and secure UART communication for surgical instruments, enhancing the functionality and safety of surgical robots by ensuring seamless data transmission and power management.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260006653A1Method and device for transmitting UART communications over a security short range wireless communication

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

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.