Contactless Camera Connector Using Magnetic and RF Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for endoscopic camera systems fail to provide reliable, waterproof, and autoclave-compatible contactless power and data transfer with high safety isolation and multiple parallel high-rate data channels.

Innovation Solution

A contactless power and data coupling system using magnetic field coupling for power transfer and extremely high frequency radio communication for data transfer between the camera head and control unit, ensuring electrical isolation and robust data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connector gold contact designs are used, then data and power transfer is enabled, but the contacts degrade with repeated sterilization processing due to contamination and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector durabilityVSAvoidsterilization damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical gold contact connectors with a contactless electromagnetic coupling system. Data is transmitted via magnetic field coupling between transmitter and receiver coils, while power is transferred through inductive coupling. This eliminates physical contact surfaces that are susceptible to sterilization damage, contamination, and corrosion, thereby resolving the contradiction between connector reliability and resistance to sterilization harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If contactless power and data transfer is implemented, then sterilization compatibility and reliability are improved, but electrical isolation and safety protection between camera head and control unit must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization compatibilityVSAvoidelectrical isolation requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field coupling mechanism between the camera head and control unit. Magnetic field coupling serves as the intermediary for data transfer, while inductive coupling acts as the intermediary for power transfer. These intermediary fields enable contactless communication while maintaining electrical isolation, thus improving sterilization compatibility without compromising safety protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple high rate data channels are transmitted, then data transmission capability is improved, but the connector design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical multi-channel connectors with electromagnetic field-based data transmission. Multiple high-rate data channels are transmitted through magnetic field coupling between coils, eliminating the need for multiple physical contact paths. This substitution reduces connector structural complexity while maintaining or enhancing data transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If waterproof and autoclave-resistant design is implemented, then sterilization survival is improved, but traditional gold contact surfaces are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautoclave survivalVSAvoidcontact surface fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional gold contact surface fabrication with electromagnetic coupling components. The connector uses magnetic field coupling coils and inductive power transfer components instead of precision-machined gold contacts. This substitution eliminates the need for complex contact surface fabrication processes while achieving waterproof and autoclave-resistant design, thereby improving both reliability and ease of manufacture.

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

The solution enables reliable, long-lasting, and efficient transfer of multiple channels of high-speed data and power without direct contact, maintaining safety isolation and withstanding repeated sterilization cycles, thus improving the reliability and durability of the camera system.

Implementation Method 1

power is transferred between the first connector and the second connector using magnetic field coupling between the at least one power transmitter coil and the at least one power receiver coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

data is transferred using near field energy. The first connector transmits data using a radio transmitter and the second connector receives data using a radio receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9629518B2Contactless camera connection system

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

A camera system having a camera head with an imaging device and a first connector; a camera control unit with a processor and a second connector configured to removably engage the first connector; and wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to allow for contactless transfer of data from the camera head to the camera control unit and contactless transfer of power from the camera control unit to the camera head.