Endoscope Contactless Power Transfer Through Axial Coil Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope devices face challenges in coping with increased power consumption without upsizing the connector portion, as the coupling strength between power transmitting and receiving coils is limited, necessitating larger connectors.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope device employs a configuration where the power transmitting and receiving coils overlap partially in the axial direction, using solenoid-shaped coils to enable contactless power supply, allowing for increased power transmission without enlarging the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power transmitting coil and power receiving coil are arranged to abut with their axial end surfaces, then the connector portion can be kept compact, but the coupling strength between coils is limited and power transmission becomes insufficient when power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar side-by-side coil arrangement to a three-dimensional overlapping arrangement where coils are positioned in the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the magnetic fields to interact more effectively through volume overlap rather than just surface contact, increasing coupling strength without expanding the connector's lateral footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the power transmitting coil and power receiving coil are positioned concentrically with overlapping axial extents. This nesting arrangement maximizes the overlap volume of magnetic fields within the constrained connector geometry, enabling higher power transmission through enhanced magnetic coupling without increasing the overall connector size.
2Power
If a spiral coil configuration is used, then the connector can remain compact, but similarly the power becomes insufficient when power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coil structure into multiple segments along the axial direction, with both the transmitting and receiving coils having extended axial lengths. This segmentation allows for increased overlap volume between coils, enhancing magnetic coupling and power transmission capacity while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular coil design.
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 configuration effectively addresses the power increase issue by enabling efficient power supply without the need for upsizing the connector, ensuring reliable operation with enhanced power capacity.
Implementation Method 1
contactless power supply from the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil is enabled
Implementation Method 2
the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil at least partially overlap each other in an axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is an endoscope device capable of coping with an increase in power without upsizing a connector portion. The endoscope device includes a processor unit including a power transmitting coil and a control board, and a scope unit including a power receiving coil and an endoscope. While the processor unit and the scope unit are in a joined state to each other, the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil at least partially overlap each other in an axial direction, and contactless power supply from the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil is enabled.