Electrosurgical Rotation Assembly for Continuous Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical instruments with electrically powered implements face limitations in continuous rotation due to wire disconnection issues, leading to potential loss of electrical function.
Innovation Solution
A continuous rotation assembly utilizing a stator and rotor with isolated pins and rings maintains electrical continuity by ensuring pins remain in contact with fixed rings, allowing the implement to rotate freely without disconnecting wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired coupling is used to connect the implement to the generator, then electrical continuity is maintained, but rotation of the implement is limited and may cause wire disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire coupling system with an electromagnetic induction system. The generator uses electromagnetic fields to wirelessly transmit power and signals to the implement, eliminating physical wires that limit rotation. This allows the implement to rotate freely without wire disconnection while maintaining reliable electrical continuity through electromagnetic coupling.
2Ease of operation
If the implement is designed to rotate freely, then ease of operation is improved, but wire disconnection and loss of electrical function occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical wire connection system and replaces it with electromagnetic induction. The generator creates electromagnetic fields that couple with corresponding fields at the implement, allowing power and signal transmission without physical wires. This enables complete rotation freedom while maintaining reliable electrical function throughout the rotation range.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic induction is used for power transmission, then continuous rotation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates electromagnetic induction technology into existing electrosurgical generator platforms, allowing the same generator to perform both conventional wired electrosurgery and wireless powered rotation functions. The implement design incorporates universal coupling mechanisms that work with standard electrosurgical accessories, reducing overall system complexity despite the added electromagnetic power transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous rotation assembly that may be positioned in the housing of an electrosurgical device to maintain electrical continuity between an electrosurgical power source and an electrosurgical implement positioned at the end of a rotatable shaft. A stator is positioned about the shaft and fixed against rotation and includes a pair of rings that are electrically isolated from each other. A rotor having first and second sets of pins that are electrically isolated from each other is positioned about the shaft and rotatable therewith. The pins are positioned to stay contact with the pair of rings as the shaft and rotor rotate. A first pair of wires couples the pins to the electrosurgical implement. A second pair of wires couples the pair of rings to an electrosurgical power source, thereby providing power to the implement even if the shaft is rotated continuously.