Capacitive Coupling Endoscope Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope systems require direct contact between electrodes for signal transfer, leading to contamination risks and corrosion issues when sterilized, particularly with the extracorporeal connectors which need frequent cleaning to prevent infection.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system employs capacitive coupling using tubular-shaped connectors with electrodes and coils, where the extracorporeal signal connection parts are wholly or partially disposed within the scope-side connection parts, allowing for signal transmission without direct contact, and includes a dielectric material to enhance coupling and prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct contact between electrodes is used for signal transfer, then signal transmission is achieved, but electrode corrosion and contamination occur during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric member as an intermediary between the first electrode and second electrode. This dielectric member enables capacitive coupling for signal transmission while preventing direct contact between electrodes, thereby eliminating corrosion and contamination issues during sterilization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional direct mechanical contact between electrodes with a capacitive coupling system. By using electric field interaction through a dielectric member instead of physical contact, the system achieves signal transmission without the harmful effects of direct contact during sterilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If extracorporeal connectors are frequently cleaned to prevent infection, then infection risk is reduced, but cleaning complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric member acts as a protective intermediary that covers the electrodes. This structure allows the extracorporeal connector to be cleaned more easily and frequently without exposing electrodes to corrosive cleaning agents, thereby reducing infection risk while minimizing cleaning time and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If electrodes are exposed for direct contact connection, then connection simplicity is achieved, but corrosion resistance during sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric member is positioned between the electrodes to provide corrosion protection during sterilization. The member is designed to be transparent or translucent, allowing the connection interface to remain simple and easy to operate while the electrodes are protected from corrosive environments.
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 design enables reliable signal transfer while maintaining the cleanliness and preventing corrosion of the electrodes, facilitating easy cleaning and reducing the risk of infection by avoiding direct contact between electrodes during sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
the second electrode and the first electrode are subjected to capacitive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes an endoscope having an insertion part capable of being be inserted into the interior of a living body; an extracorporeal device configured to be installed outside the living body, a first extracorporeal signal connection part having a second electrode electrically connected to the extracorporeal device, and a first scope-side signal connection part that has a first electrode electrically connected to the endoscope, is engaged with the first extracorporeal signal connection part, and has a tubular shape. The insertion part includes an observation part capable of observing a distal end side thereof. When engaged with the first scope-side signal connection part, the first extracorporeal signal connection part is at least partially disposed in an inner cylindrical space of the first scope-side signal connection part, and the second electrode and the first electrode are subjected to capacitive coupling.