Capsule Endoscope Docking with Orientation-Independent Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for retrieving data from capsule endoscopes require opening the sealed enclosure, which is mechanically complex and costly, and often necessitate specialized training, as they involve aligning contact pins with pads inside the capsule.
Innovation Solution
A docking station system with circular symmetric contacts that connect with the capsule endoscope in any rotational orientation, allowing for power supply and data transfer without opening the capsule, using feedthrough connectors and annular or plunger contacts to ensure electrical connection regardless of rotational alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional data access system is used to retrieve data from capsule endoscope, then data can be retrieved, but the system requires opening the capsule and aligning contact pins to pads which increases mechanical complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical contacts from inside the capsule enclosure and places them on the exterior surface. This allows the docking station to make contact with the capsule without opening the sealed enclosure, thereby eliminating the mechanical complexity of opening and aligning internal contacts while maintaining data retrieval capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary docking station that interfaces with external contacts on the capsule. This intermediary device enables data transfer without direct manual manipulation of internal capsule components, simplifying the operation and reducing mechanical complexity
2Ease of operation
If conventional data access system is used, then data retrieval is possible, but specialized training is required for操作人员
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule endoscope system is designed to be self-sufficient with external contacts that automatically align with the docking station. The system performs data transfer without requiring specialized manual alignment skills, making it accessible to operators without extensive training
3Reliability
If contact pins are aligned to pads inside the capsule, then electrical connection is established, but mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are extracted from the internal capsule structure and positioned on the external surface. This maintains reliable electrical connection while eliminating the need for complex internal alignment mechanisms and opening procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting contacts into the capsule from the outside, the patent inverts the approach by having contacts protrude from the capsule exterior. This reversal simplifies the docking mechanism while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A capsule endoscopic system is disclosed, wherein the system comprises a capsule endoscope, a docking station, second circuits and contact means to cause the second circuits connected to first circuits inside the capsule endoscope when the capsule endoscope is docked in the docking station in a first rotational orientation and in a second rotational orientation. The capsule endoscope comprises a capsule housing, the first circuits, and first contacts disposed fixedly on or through the capsule housing, wherein the first contacts are connected to the first circuits. The docking station comprises one or more second contacts. The docking station also includes a docking bay to receive the capsule endoscope. The second contacts are configured to contact the first contacts and to cause the first circuits to connect to the second circuits when the capsule endoscope is docked in the first rotational orientation and the second rotational orientation.